British PM names two acting chiefs of staff

LONDON, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has asked Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson, his deputy chiefs of staff, to serve as acting chiefs of staff, Sky News reported Sunday.

Both officials have worked with Starmer since his time as leader of the opposition. Cuthbertson served as Starmer's private secretary, managing his schedule and commitments.

Morgan McSweeney resigned earlier in the day from his role as chief of staff to Starmer, after many members of Parliament blamed him for the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington.

Mandelson was appointed ambassador to Washington in early 2025 but was dismissed by Starmer after seven months as renewed questions about his past emerged. Enditem