Starmer Confronts Internal Labour Unrest Over Mandelson Appointment
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing intensifying pressure from within his own Labour Party as he attempts to navigate the escalating fallout from the Lord Peter Mandelson scandal. Leadership speculation has surged following Starmer's public apology to victims of Jeffrey Epstein, in which he admitted believing the peer's "lies" about his relationship with the convicted paedophile financier.
Growing Calls for Accountability and Resignation
Backbench Labour MPs have demanded either the dismissal of Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney or the Prime Minister's own resignation in response to explosive revelations about Lord Mandelson's dealings with the child sex offender. In a Thursday address, Starmer maintained that "none of us knew the depth of the darkness" surrounding the peer's connection to Epstein when appointing him as US ambassador last year.
The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating allegations that Lord Mandelson, who has since stepped down from the House of Lords, provided market-sensitive information to Epstein during his tenure as business secretary following the 2008 financial crisis. Additional documents released by the US Department of Justice have revealed the apparent extent of their relationship, including messages where Lord Mandelson appeared to celebrate Epstein's release from prison as "Liberation day."
Internal Criticism and Leadership Speculation
Amid mounting uncertainty about his political future, Starmer acknowledged sharing the "anger and frustration" of colleagues regarding the saga but reaffirmed his commitment to continue as Prime Minister. However, Labour grandee Baroness Harriet Harman criticised Starmer's response as appearing "weak and naive and gullible," warning that the scandal could "finish him off" unless appropriate corrective actions are taken.
"He should be reflecting on why he made that appointment," Baroness Harman stated during an appearance on Sky News' Electoral Dysfunction podcast. "The Keir Starmer who served as director of public prosecutions would never have appointed somebody like Peter Mandelson to represent the country."
While several Labour MPs, including John McDonnell and Barry Gardiner, have publicly suggested Starmer should consider his position, others have expressed reservations about potential upheaval without a clear challenger. Reports have emerged that Sir Keir's former deputy Angela Rayner, who left government following a stamp duty controversy, has privately indicated readiness to launch a leadership campaign, though her spokesperson has denied these claims.
Damage Control Efforts and Document Controversy
In an apparent bid to strengthen relations with backbenchers, multiple MPs were invited to Chequers for a pre-planned evening at the Prime Minister's grace-and-favour country estate. Starmer has reportedly hosted similar gatherings on a fortnightly basis previously. Many Labour MPs have privately expressed diminished confidence in the Prime Minister's Downing Street team, particularly criticising right-hand man Morgan McSweeney, whom they blame for Lord Mandelson's controversial appointment.
Further controversy emerged over Downing Street's initial attempts to control the release of potentially explosive documents detailing the appointment decision-making process. The government ultimately relinquished control to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee following a Labour mutiny on Wednesday. The release timeline remains uncertain as the Metropolitan Police has requested the government withhold documents that might compromise their investigation, while the ISC reviews potential national security implications.
Number 10 has initiated discussions with the ISC regarding the document release process and will update Parliament once an agreement is reached, according to Starmer's spokesman. The Prime Minister maintains "full confidence" in his chief of staff despite the growing crisis. Lord Mandelson, who has been approached for comment, has yet to speak publicly, though sources indicate he maintains his actions were not criminal and not for personal gain.
