Crisis in the Labour Party: Keir Starmer Faces Pressure Amid Mandelson Scandal

Tue Feb 10 2026 01:22:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer struggles to maintain authority within the Labour Party after the resignation of his chief of staff and growing concerns over appointments linked to Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein.

Keir Starmer is under significant pressure as he addresses Labour Party lawmakers following the resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, amidst revelations about his ties to Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein. Critics assert Starmer's leadership is crumbling due to a series of missteps, prompting discussions of a potential leadership challenge. With Labour lagging in polls, Starmer's ability to restore authority and confidence in his government is being tested as he faces scrutiny for his decisions and promises of economic reform.

LONDON (AP) — The leadership of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in jeopardy as he attempts to rally his Labour Party lawmakers amid calls for his resignation just a year and a half into his tenure. Following the dismissal of his chief of staff and an erosion of support from party members, Starmer is grappling with the fallout of hiring former diplomat Peter Mandelson despite his connections to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Starmer has scheduled a private meeting with Labour lawmakers in an effort to regain lost authority. The crisis erupted after details emerged that Mandelson had ongoing ties with Epstein following his 2008 conviction, leading to public criticism over Starmer's judgement in appointing someone with such a controversial background.

Since the revelation, Starmer has faced intensified scrutiny, with a recent trove of Epstein files released in the U.S. further complicating his position. In response, Starmer acknowledged having been misled by Mandelson, stating: I believed his lies, and assuring the release of documentation that would clarify the nature of Mandelson's appointment.

Police are currently investigating Mandelson for potential misconduct involving the sharing of sensitive government information with Epstein. Although he has not been arrested or charged with any crime, the implications of this inquiry weigh heavily on Starmer's leadership.

In the wake of McSweeney's resignation, which he attributed to poor advice regarding Mandelson's appointment, party members expressed hope that his exit might help Starmer rebuild trust within Labour. However, some critics argue it leaves Starmer vulnerable and isolated, undermining his leadership.

The Conservative opposition leader, Kemi Badenoch, has condemned Starmer, stating that his continuous mistakes have rendered his position untenable. Labour has struggled to gain traction in opinion polls, with discussions of a leadership challenge already emerging prior to the Mandelson scandal.

Starmer's tenure has been marked by difficulties in navigating economic promises and restoring confidence in public services, a challenge further complicated by the ongoing fallout from the Mandelson appointment. The political landscape remains fraught, with potential leadership changes looming, as Labour's future hangs in the balance.