Starmer's chief of staff is quizzed over connections to Sinn Fein politicians

Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is investigating claims that Morgan McSweeney had contact with two convicted IRA terrorists

McSweeney denies any wrongdoing and says he has never met either man

The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is investigating claims that Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, had contact with two convicted IRA terrorists. The allegations were made in a report by the Sunday Times, which claimed that McSweeney had met with Gerry Adams, the former leader of Sinn Fein, and Bobby Storey, a senior IRA figure who was shot dead in 2020. McSweeney has denied any wrongdoing and said he has never met either man. He said he is "cooperating fully" with the investigation. The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is an independent body that investigates allegations of breaches of the MPs' code of conduct. It has the power to recommend sanctions against MPs, including suspension or expulsion from Parliament. The investigation is likely to focus on whether McSweeney had any contact with Adams or Storey, and if so, what the nature of that contact was. It will also consider whether McSweeney has breached the MPs' code of conduct. The allegations against McSweeney come at a time when Starmer is under pressure to distance himself from Sinn Fein. The Labour Party has been criticized for its links to Sinn Fein, which is the political wing of the IRA. Starmer has said that he will not work with Sinn Fein unless it renounces violence and criminality. He has also said that he will not allow Sinn Fein to "dictate" Labour Party policy. The investigation into McSweeney is likely to further strain relations between Labour and Sinn Fein. It could also damage Starmer's reputation and make it more difficult for him to lead the Labour Party.