Keir Starmer has found his own Dominic Cummings in Morgan McSweeney, suggests The Independent analysis. Just days after Boris Johnson’s likened Dominic Cummings to a ‘homicidal robot’ in his new book, Keir Starmer appears to embrace the idea of appointing a ruthless, analytics obsessed genius to lead his Downing Street operation.
The comparison between Dominic Cummings and Morgan McSweeney comes in the wake of McSweeney’s appointment as Sir Keir Starmer’s new chief of staff. Despite Sue Gray dividing opinions both inside and outside Starmer’s cabinet, McSweeney’s selection may prove even more controversial.
Before the Sunday upheaval that saw Sue Gray ousted from Starmer’s team, Morgan McSweeney was already a contentious figure within the Labour Party, drawing intense criticism from the left. The parallels between McSweeney and Cummings are intriguing many within the Westminster circles. Both men gained recognition for orchestrating remarkable victories at the polls – Cummings led Vote Leave to success in the divisive EU referendum in 2016, while McSweeney orchestrated Starmer’s leadership election triumph in 2020 and the subsequent general election this year.
What sets these two apart in terms of personality are the briefings from McSweeney’s camp over the weekend and into the current week as he assumed control in Downing Street. There is a hint of modernisation under McSweeney’s leadership, aiming to shift the government mechanism from analogue to digital and embracing an analytics-driven governance approach reminiscent of Cummings’ strategies during his tenure as chief of staff.
The most striking similarity between the two men lies in their drive and ruthlessness. Cummings earned notoriety for his willingness to dismiss individuals to further his agenda, illustrated by incidents like the resignation of Sajid Javid as chancellor. Likewise, McSweeney has developed a reputation for his uncompromising tactics, allegedly imposing preferred candidates across constituencies during Labour’s election campaign. The power dynamics between McSweeney, Sue Gray, and Simon Case, the former cabinet secretary, underscore the ruthlessness that pervades Westminster.
In a reminiscent move to Cummings, McSweeney has already initiated a meeting with all special advisers working for ministers, setting the tone for potential consequences should there be any deviation from his directives. Controversies over rule-breaking also shadow both men, casting a shadow over their tenures. As decisions are made under McSweeney’s stewardship, questions arise regarding his commitment to unity amidst factionalism within Labour and his unwavering determination to bulldoze obstacles in his path.
Keir Starmer had the opportunity to appoint a chief of staff capable of fostering unity and consensus within his government, but his choice of McSweeney reflects a strategic alignment with Johnson’s approach – prioritising efficiency over conciliation, even at the cost of escalating tensions within the party. History may offer a cautionary tale; while such a strategy may yield short-term gains, the long-term consequences remain unforeseeable. Perhaps Starmer should heed the lessons learnt from Johnson’s tumultuous tenure as he navigates the challenges ahead in the realm of British politics.