Sir Keir Starmer is facing intensifying pressure to expel Peter Mandelson from the House of Lords, as outrage escalates over the Labour peer's documented friendship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Furious MPs from across the political spectrum have demanded immediate legislative action to strip Lord Mandelson of his title and bar him from ever entering Parliament again.
Downing Street's Stance and Parliamentary Backlash
Downing Street has confirmed that the Prime Minister now believes Lord Mandelson should not retain his membership in the House of Lords. This position follows the disclosure of documents indicating that Mandelson accepted thousands of pounds from Epstein and allegedly provided him with confidential insights into the plans of the last Labour government during his tenure as business secretary.
Claims of Powerlessness and Legislative Proposals
However, Number 10 has asserted that the Prime Minister lacks the direct authority to revoke his former ally's peerage. Instead, the government has appealed to the House of Lords to establish new regulations that would permit the expulsion of disgraced peers. This claim has been vehemently dismissed by MPs on all sides, who argue that the Prime Minister could swiftly enact emergency legislation to remove Mandelson's title within days.
Reform is anticipated to introduce legislation this week specifically designed to enable the stripping of Mandelson's peerage. The move underscores the deepening political crisis surrounding the Epstein revelations and the calls for accountability within the upper chamber.
Public Opinion and Previous Polling
The controversy has sparked widespread public debate, with the Daily Mail inviting readers to voice their opinions on Sir Keir Starmer's next steps. In a related poll conducted yesterday, Mail readers were asked whether the King should compel Prince Andrew to testify in the United States regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case. Out of more than 20,000 responses, a significant 72 percent voted in favour, while 28 percent opposed the idea.
This latest development highlights the ongoing scrutiny of figures connected to Epstein and the mounting demands for transparency and reform in British political institutions.
