Morgan McSweeney, former chief of staff to Keir Starmer, has acknowledged that the Labour Party was not sufficiently prepared for governing before entering office after the 2024 general election.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, he admitted that internal planning for government had been inadequate and that key decisions and expectations had not been properly shaped ahead of time.

McSweeney also suggested that Labour adopted an overly pessimistic tone regarding the state of the UK economy when it came into power, particularly through Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ early messaging about a significant fiscal shortfall inherited from the previous Conservative government.

He argued that this gloomy outlook contributed to early political difficulties for the administration, including controversy surrounding the decision to remove winter fuel payments for pensioners, a policy that was later partially reversed.

McSweeney also highlighted the negative impact of a separate controversy involving gifts and hospitality received by senior figures, which further damaged the Government’s early reputation.

Reflecting more broadly, he said Labour had not developed a strong enough strategic vision for how to reform the state or deliver rapid improvements in public services, stressing that voter frustration requires swift and visible action.He stopped short of blaming individuals, instead describing the issue as a collective failure within the party.

McSweeney also reflected on internal politics and his own departure from Downing Street, while expressing cautious optimism about the future direction of Labour under potential new leadership.His comments have reignited debate over the party’s readiness for government and its early policy decisions.