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Starmer's Security Adviser Rejects Chief of Staff Role

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jonathan Powell, Keir Starmer’s security adviser, declined to be the prime minister’s chief of staff after Morgan McSweeney's resignation.
Powell intends to return to his mediation consultancy, Inter-Mediate, and may leave Downing Street by year-end.
Downing Street sources denied Powell's departure or any offer for chief of staff role.
Powell advised against appointing Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to Washington.
David Lammy, the former foreign secretary, also opposed Mandelson's appointment.

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Story summary

Jonathan Powell, Keir Starmer’s security adviser, declined to be the prime minister’s chief of staff after Morgan McSweeney's resignation.
Powell intends to return to his mediation consultancy, Inter-Mediate, and may leave Downing Street by year-end.
Downing Street sources denied Powell's departure or any offer for chief of staff role.
Powell advised against appointing Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to Washington.
David Lammy, the former foreign secretary, also opposed Mandelson's appointment.