SNP Westminster Leader Demands Prime Minister's Resignation
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has issued a stark call for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to "do the decent thing and resign" amidst escalating political turmoil. The demand comes as the Labour Government faces intense scrutiny over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, a decision that has triggered a series of high-profile resignations and police investigations.
Chaos and Crisis in Downing Street
Sir Keir Starmer has encountered mounting pressure in recent days, with his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigning on Sunday, followed by Downing Street's head of communications on Monday. McSweeney announced he would step away from his role, taking "full responsibility" for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Lord Mandelson to the ambassadorial position from which he was dismissed last year.
The controversy deepens as Lord Mandelson, who resigned from the House of Lords last week, is now under police investigation. Authorities are examining allegations that he sent government information to his friend, the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, during the peak of the financial crisis. This investigation was initiated following information released by the US Department of Justice as part of the widely publicised Epstein files.
Flynn's Scathing Critique
In a statement released to PA Scotland, Stephen Flynn launched a fierce attack on the Labour Government's leadership. "The Labour Government is in chaos and completely distracted from the issues that matter – like helping families with the cost of living, which has soared under Keir Starmer," Flynn declared. He emphasised that on the Prime Minister's watch, the Labour Party has "lurched from one crisis to another" and failed to deliver the promised change to voters.
Flynn argued that this ongoing turmoil is not in Scotland's interests or anyone's, stating, "It's clear voters have lost confidence in Keir Starmer and, with his own MPs calling for him to go, he has become a lame duck leader who lacks the authority needed to deliver change." He added pointedly, "This never-ending chaos can't go on. Keir Starmer should do the decent thing and resign."
The SNP leader placed the blame squarely on Sir Keir, noting that while McSweeney advised the appointment, it was the Prime Minister who made the final decision despite public knowledge of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein. "That is unforgivable and entirely on Keir Starmer," Flynn asserted.
Downing Street's Defiant Response
Despite the growing calls for his resignation, the Prime Minister's official spokesman firmly rejected the idea on Monday. "No. The Prime Minister is concentrating on the job in hand. He is getting on with the job of delivering change across the country," the spokesman stated. He described Sir Keir's mood as "upbeat" and "confident" following a speech to Number 10 staff.
When questioned about reports that Sir Keir had been remorseful and uncertain about his political future over the weekend, the spokesman dismissed them, saying, "That is not the Prime Minister who appeared in front of staff this morning. It is very clear that he remains determined to tackle the job in hand." The spokesman also expressed confidence that the Prime Minister retains the unanimous support of his Cabinet.
Scottish Greens Join the Fray
The pressure on Labour extends beyond the SNP, with the Scottish Greens urging Scottish Labour to "take a stand" against Sir Keir's leadership. Gillian Mackay, the party's co-leader, declared, "Scottish Labour can't hide from the scandal and disgrace surrounding Downing Street. People deserve to know where they stand and if they think Keir Starmer is fit to be Prime Minister."
Mackay warned of electoral consequences, noting, "In a matter of months, Scotland will be voting and people won't forget a party that refuses to hold its own leadership to account." She criticised Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and his colleagues, stating they appear "like a rubber stamp rather than a force for change" while Starmer clings to office.
Flynn Targets Scottish Labour Leadership
Stephen Flynn further intensified the pressure by directly criticising Anas Sarwar's response to the scandal. "Anas Sarwar has shown real political cowardice over the Mandelson scandal," Flynn charged. "His 'old friend' is tearing the Labour Government apart and he's nowhere to be seen."
Flynn questioned Sarwar's leadership credentials, arguing, "Sarwar wants voters to believe that he has what it takes to be First Minister but whenever there's a Labour Party scandal he declines media interviews, ducks responsibility and runs scared of scrutiny. That isn't someone who has the strength to stand up for Scotland. It's time he came out of hiding, grew a backbone, and called for Keir Starmer to go."
Scottish Labour has been approached for comment regarding these allegations and the growing calls for accountability within their ranks.
