Labour MPs Warn Starmer's Premiership in Peril Over Mandelson-Epstein Scandal
Labour MPs have issued stark warnings that Keir Starmer's tenure as prime minister could be nearing its end, following a day of intense fury over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. The controversy centres on Mandelson's friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a revelation that has plunged the government into a deep crisis.
Commons Showdown and Leadership Challenge Threats
The government narrowly avoided a defeat in the House of Commons after a mid-debate amendment was brokered by MPs Meg Hillier and Angela Rayner. This amendment forces the release of documents detailing Mandelson's appointment and the extent of his relationship with Epstein. MPs have cautioned that the eventual publication of these papers, which may be delayed by a police investigation into Mandelson, could trigger a formal leadership challenge against Starmer.
One MP emphasised the need for transparency, stating, "We need all the poison to come out." Another former minister described the situation as the worst in recent memory, while a backbencher highlighted the erosion of trust, saying, "Trust is finite. I'm personally not sure I could trust myself to back the prime minister in a confidence vote." An MP from the 2024 intake noted that even the most loyal supporters are feeling disillusioned.
Starmer's Admission and Darkening Atmosphere
During Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer admitted that he had been aware of Mandelson's friendship with Epstein prior to the appointment, a moment MPs described as a clarifying and damaging turning point. One MP, previously close to Starmer, observed, "You could feel the atmosphere change; it was dark." Downing Street later clarified that the prime minister only knew what was already public knowledge, but this did little to assuage concerns.
A backbencher condemned the decision, remarking, "It's just indefensible. They knew all about Peter's relationship with Epstein but gave him the job anyway." Drawing parallels to past scandals, they added, "It's like Chris Pincher on steroids," referring to the incident that contributed to Boris Johnson's downfall. Another former minister lamented, "We were meant to be the ones who didn't do this stuff. It's time for a fresh start, the sooner the better."
Internal Criticism and Calls for Resignations
Several MPs have pointed fingers at the prime minister's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who had close ties to Mandelson, urging him to take responsibility and resign. One MP warned, "The government is on the run. Goodness knows what will come out – there could be a lot of red faces and departures off the back of it." Cabinet ministers expressed frustration with the handling of the amendments, with one calling it "frustrating" and another criticising the attempt to mitigate the Tory motion as appearing like a cover-up.
Police Intervention and Parliamentary Authority
The Metropolitan Police initially blocked the release of certain documents to avoid prejudicing a criminal investigation into Mandelson's alleged sharing of confidential government documents with Epstein. However, Speaker of the House Lindsay Hoyle asserted parliamentary sovereignty, stating, "The Metropolitan police have no jurisdiction on what this house may wish to do. They cannot dictate to this house." The motion to release the documents ultimately passed, with No 10 pledging compliance while adhering to police advice.
Rayner's Role and Leadership Speculation
Angela Rayner played a pivotal role in brokering the amendment to avert a government defeat, cancelling a lunch meeting to intervene. An MP praised her actions, saying, "Yet again the prime minister has to thank Angela Rayner's swift political judgment to save this government from itself." Some have backed Rayner for a future leadership bid, with one noting, "If Angela didn't have her tax investigation ongoing, she'd be getting numbers offered to her tonight." However, others believe Starmer remains safe for now, with one backbencher describing the events as a "bin fire" but noting few are willing to publicly challenge him.
Irony and Domestic Agenda Push
MPs expressed irony that Starmer, known for his commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, might be ousted due to Mandelson's links to a paedophile. One said, "We've never had a PM that cares so much about it. It would be mad if another man being mates with a paedophile brought him down, but it's totally possible." In response, Starmer announced plans to legislate for easier removal of peer titles, including Mandelson's, and requested the king to strip him of privy counsellor status.
Looking ahead, Starmer aims to refocus on domestic policy, announcing an extra £800 million for the "Pride in Place" scheme, a replacement for the Conservatives' levelling up agenda. This £5 billion initiative over ten years targets over 300 deprived areas, aiming to counter the threat from Reform UK through community regeneration projects.
