Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has resigned.
Many MPs blamed him for the appointment of Lord Peter Mandeslon to ambassador of the US.
Mandelson was sacked from that position in September, but has come under further pressure following new Epstein files, which suggest he shared confidential information with the convicted sex offender when he was the business secretary.
The files have led to questions over Sir Keir Starmer’s judgement in appointing Mandelson to the top diplomatic position.
Mr McSweeney, a friend of Mandelson’s, is said to have pushed for him to get the role.
“The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself,” Mr McSweeney said in a statement.
“When asked, I advised the prime minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice. In public life responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not just when it is most convenient. In the circumstances, the only honourable course is to step aside.”
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