The recent reshuffle in the UK government has seen Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson appointed as acting chiefs of staff. They step into the roles following the departure of Morgan McSweeney, who resigned in October 2024. Both Cuthbertson and Alakeson have significant backgrounds within the political landscape of the Labour Party.
Resignation of Chief of Staff McSweeney
Morgan McSweeney’s resignation as chief of staff marked a pivotal moment for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration. His previous tenure began after Sue Gray stepped down in late 2024.
Profiles of the New Acting Chiefs of Staff
- Jill Cuthbertson: A close ally of Starmer, Cuthbertson served as director of his office from 2021 to 2024. She has also managed the political office of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and worked with other influential figures such as Ed Miliband and Cherie Blair. Cuthbertson played a role in the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign leading up to Brexit. Interestingly, she is married to Mo Hussein, a former Conservative special advisor.
- Vidhya Alakeson: Newly appointed, Alakeson has worked as the Labour Party’s director of external relations since 2022. Before this, she was chief executive of Power to Change, an organization fostering community-led businesses. Alakeson has experience with the Resolution Foundation and NHS England. Her contributions to social equality earned her an OBE in 2021.
The Challenges Ahead
Both Cuthbertson and Alakeson face significant challenges in stabilizing the leadership at Number 10. Their promotion comes at a time of uncertainty, described as potentially being “holed below the waterline” by various commentators. Baroness Deborah Mattinson commended their capabilities, calling them “both completely brilliant.” However, the incoming acting chiefs will need to navigate a complex political landscape to ensure effective governance.
