Former top aide to Keir Starmer, Morgan McSweeney, has been advised by ex-Labour Deputy Leader, Tom Watson, to seek legal counsel before his upcoming appearance before the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee next week. Watson expressed concerns about McSweeney receiving a fair hearing in light of recent events.

McSweeney resigned in February, taking responsibility for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, amidst backlash due to Mandelson’s association with Jeffrey Epstein. Watson criticized committee chair Emily Thornberry for what he perceived as bias and a lack of focus on facts during recent proceedings.

Watson suggested that McSweeney should consider hiring lawyers due to the potential reputational risk posed by the committee’s approach. Additionally, Watson defended Keir Starmer against accusations of dishonesty, emphasizing the need for better risk assessment in political decision-making.

Encouraging unity within the Labour party, Watson urged MPs to concentrate on electoral campaigns rather than internal disputes. Meanwhile, a former government official downplayed the significance of the Mandelson scandal, highlighting other pressing national and international issues.

Thornberry chose not to respond to Watson’s remarks, maintaining her silence on the matter.