SNP Westminster Leader Calls for Prime Minister's Resignation Amid Escalating Crisis
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has issued a direct and forceful demand for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to "do the decent thing and resign" as the Labour government faces mounting turmoil. The call comes amid intense pressure on Sir Keir following the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, which has triggered a series of high-profile resignations within Downing Street.
Downing Street in Disarray as Key Aides Step Down
Chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned on Sunday, taking "full responsibility" for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Lord Mandelson to the diplomatic role. This was swiftly followed by the departure of Downing Street's head of communications on Monday, deepening the sense of crisis engulfing the government. McSweeney acknowledged his role in recommending Mandelson, who was sacked from the same position last year.
Mandelson Under Police Investigation Over Epstein Links
The peer, who recently resigned from the House of Lords, is now under police investigation regarding allegations he sent government information to his friend, the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, during the height of the financial crisis. This investigation was initiated after information was released by the US Department of Justice as part of the widely publicised Epstein files.
In a statement released to PA Scotland, Mr Flynn declared: "The Labour Government is in chaos and completely distracted from the issues that matter – like helping families with the cost of living, which has soared under Keir Starmer." He emphasised that on the Prime Minister's watch, the Labour Party has lurched from one crisis to another and failed to deliver the promised change to voters.
Flynn Accuses Starmer of Unforgivable Decision-Making
Mr Flynn pointed out that while McSweeney advised the appointment, it was ultimately Sir Keir who made the final decision, despite public knowledge of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein. "That is unforgivable and entirely on Keir Starmer," the SNP leader asserted. He argued that the ongoing chaos is not in Scotland's interests or anyone's, stating that voters have lost confidence in the Prime Minister, who has become a lame duck leader lacking the authority to deliver meaningful change.
Scottish Greens Urge Scottish Labour to Challenge Leadership
The pressure on Sir Keir intensified further as the Scottish Greens called on Scottish Labour to "take a stand" against his leadership. Co-leader Gillian Mackay stated: "Scottish Labour can't hide from the scandal and disgrace surrounding Downing Street. People deserve to know where they stand and if they think Keir Starmer is fit to be Prime Minister."
Mackay warned that with Scottish elections approaching in a matter of months, voters will not forget a party that refuses to hold its own leadership accountable. She added that while Starmer clings to office, Anas Sarwar and his colleagues appear more like a rubber stamp than a force for change, urging every Labour MP and MSP to use their voice to demand integrity and transparency.
The Prime Minister has previously attacked his former ambassador, accusing him of lying about the extent of his relationship with the sex offender. Both the UK Government and Scottish Labour have been contacted for comment as the political storm continues to escalate.
