As the Prime Minister’s right-hand man, Mr McSweeney is in charge of strategy and central to decision-making at the heart of Government. He joined the Labour Party in 1997, reportedly motivated by the backing for the Good Friday Agreement which was key to the Northern Ireland peace process. Mr McSweeney was appointed to run Sir Keir’s successful 2020 leadership campaign and initially became his chief of staff. Labour’s election victory in 2024 resulted in Mr McSweeney being appointed to the shared role of head of political strategy. Following Ms Gray’s resignation, Mr McSweeney was appointed Downing Street chief of staff in October 2024.

Source: The Herald February 05, 2026 13:48 UTC