Gordon Brown Issues Stark Warning Over Starmer's 'Serious' Leadership Crisis
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has delivered a sobering assessment of Sir Keir Starmer's leadership predicament, describing the situation as "serious" while suggesting the Labour leader has been "too slow to do the right things" in addressing political integrity concerns following the Peter Mandelson controversy.
Brown's Emotional Response to Mandelson Allegations
Mr Brown revealed he felt "shocked, sad, angry, betrayed, let down" upon viewing messages between Lord Mandelson and convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein that were released by the US Department of Justice. The former Labour leader expressed regret over granting Mandelson his peerage and bringing him back into government during the 2008 financial crisis.
"I can look in his eyes and I can see that he is a man of integrity," Brown said of Starmer during an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "He wants to do the right things. Perhaps he's been too slow to do the right things, but he must do the right things now."
Metropolitan Police Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police confirmed their investigation into Lord Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office would "take some time" following searches at his London and Wiltshire residences. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart stated this would be a "complex investigation requiring a significant amount of further evidence gathering and analysis."
Scotland Yard launched the probe following allegations that Mandelson, while serving as business secretary in Brown's government, sent market-sensitive information to Epstein during the financial crisis.
Starmer's Position Under Mounting Pressure
Sir Keir's leadership faces jeopardy due to his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite awareness of Mandelson's continued friendship with Epstein after the financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Pressure from within Labour ranks continues to intensify, with left-wing MP Kim Johnson declaring Starmer's position "irredeemable" during an interview with Times Radio. "I'm sorry, I must have to say that I think his position at this moment in time is irredeemable. I'm sad to say," Johnson stated.
Potential Successors and Internal Criticism
Sir Keir's former deputy Angela Rayner, who left government last year following controversy over stamp duty underpayment, is widely viewed as a potential successor. The Times reported that Rayner had warned Starmer against appointing Mandelson as ambassador due to his Epstein connections, though she reportedly does not wish to challenge the Prime Minister directly.
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, a prominent figure on Labour's left, called for a "thorough cleansing process" to expose the influence of Mandelson and other wealthy individuals, asserting that "Labour Party members need to assert control." McDonnell characterized Starmer as "a leader who in denial looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights."
Calls for Systemic Reform and Further Investigations
Gordon Brown advocated for US-style confirmation hearings for new government ministers and senior appointments, criticizing what he described as a "systemic failure to do proper vetting" and inadequate procedures. He emphasized that Mandelson's alleged lies during his appointment process were "not sufficient explanation for what happened."
The Liberal Democrats have called on the Financial Conduct Authority to investigate whether Mandelson or those he allegedly leaked information to profited from access to market-sensitive material. In a letter to the City watchdog, Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper stressed the need for criminal prosecution if trading laws were abused for financial benefit.
Brown concluded with a stark warning about the broader implications: "The task is we've got to clean up the system, a total clean-up of the system, an end to the corruption and unethical behaviour. And if we don't do it, we'll pay a heavy price."
