Keir Starmer’s Director of Communications Quits
Tim Allan’s resignation comes a day after Morgan McSweeney’s.
by Harriet Williamson
9 February 2026
Keir Starmer’s executive director of communications has quit after five months in the role.
Tim Allan said in a statement: “I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success.”
Allan’s resignation on Monday comes a day after Starmer’s chief of staff and closest advisor Morgan McSweeney stepped down over his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite his close relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The founder of public relations agency Portland PR, Allan started as director of communications in September 2025 and is the fourth person to hold the role under Starmer. He previously served as press officer to Tony Blair while Blair was shadow home secretary and then worked as a key Downing Street advisor.
Allan was previously a trustee of the gender critical organisation Sex Matters.
Harriet Williamson is a commissioning editor and reporter for Novara Media.