Gordon Brown Labels Starmer Leadership Situation as 'Serious' Amid Mandelson Scandal
Former prime minister Gordon Brown has described the current predicament facing Sir Keir Starmer as "serious" while simultaneously defending the Labour leader as a "man of integrity" who has been "betrayed" by Lord Peter Mandelson's alleged actions. Brown's comments come amidst a growing political storm surrounding Lord Mandelson's connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Brown Expresses Personal Anguish Over Mandelson's Alleged Conduct
In a candid interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Brown revealed he felt "shocked, sad, angry, betrayed, let down" upon seeing messages between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein that were released by the US Department of Justice. The former prime minister expressed regret over granting Mandelson his peerage and bringing him back into government during the 2008 financial crisis.
"This is obviously serious," Brown stated regarding Starmer's leadership position. "I mean, there's always speculation. It happened to me, it happened to Tony Blair. It happens to everybody about how their future should be gauged. But this is serious, and the task is very clear."
Police Investigation Intensifies as Evidence is Collected
Scotland Yard confirmed that officers are currently sifting through boxes of evidence removed from two of Lord Mandelson's properties as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct in a public office. On Friday afternoon, police searched a residence near Regent's Park in central London and another property in Wiltshire.
The investigation centers on accusations that Lord Mandelson, while serving as business secretary in Gordon Brown's government during the financial crisis, sent market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. The disgraced financier was convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Starmer's Position Jeopardized by Ambassador Appointment
Sir Keir Starmer's leadership faces particular jeopardy due to his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite being aware that Mandelson's friendship with Epstein continued after the financier's conviction. Brown suggested that Starmer had been "too slow to do the right things" to clean up politics in the wake of the Mandelson controversy.
"Perhaps he's been too slow to do the right things, but he must do the right things now," Brown said of Starmer. "And let's judge what he does on what happens in the next few months when he tries to, and I believe he will try, to clean up the system."
Calls for Systemic Reform and US-Style Hearings
The former prime minister proposed significant reforms to the British political system, advocating for US-style confirmation hearings for new government ministers and senior appointments. Brown argued that the alleged lies told by Lord Mandelson during his appointment process as US ambassador represented "not sufficient explanation for what happened."
"There is a systemic failure to do proper vetting, to go through the proper procedures and to actually have, in my view, what should be public hearings for anybody who is going to be in a senior position representing the British government," Brown emphasized.
Mounting Pressure Within Labour Ranks
Pressure continues to build on Sir Keir Starmer from within his own party, with left-wing MP Kim Johnson declaring his position "irredeemable." Johnson told Times Radio: "I'm sorry, I must have to say that I think his position at this moment in time is irredeemable. I'm sad to say."
Meanwhile, Sir Keir's former deputy Angela Rayner has emerged as a potential successor. According to reports in The Times, Rayner warned Starmer against appointing Lord Mandelson as ambassador due to his Epstein connections, though she is said to be reluctant to launch a direct challenge against the Prime Minister.
Brown concluded with a stark warning about the need for political reform: "The task is we've got to clean up the system, a total clean-up of the system, an end to the corruption and unethical behaviour. And if we don't do it, we'll pay a heavy price."
