SNP Westminster Leader Demands Prime Minister's Resignation Amid Labour Chaos
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has issued a forceful call for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to "do the decent thing and resign," as the Labour government faces escalating turmoil over a controversial diplomatic appointment.
Mounting Pressure Over Mandelson Appointment
The Prime Minister has confronted intensifying scrutiny in recent days following the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. This decision has triggered significant internal disruption, with Sir Keir's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigning on Sunday, followed by Downing Street's head of communications stepping down on Monday.
Mr McSweeney announced his departure from the role of chief aide, accepting "full responsibility" for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Lord Mandelson to the position from which he was dismissed last year.
Police Investigation and Epstein Connection
The peer, who resigned from the House of Lords last week, is currently under police investigation regarding allegations that he transmitted government information to his friend, convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, during the peak of the financial crisis.
This investigation was initiated following information released by the US Department of Justice as part of the widely publicised Epstein files.
Flynn's Scathing Critique of Labour Leadership
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 continued: "On the Prime Minister's watch, the Labour Party has lurched from one crisis to another and has failed to deliver the change voters were promised. Instead, we've had more of the same."
Mr Flynn emphasised that this ongoing instability serves neither Scotland's interests nor anyone else's, stating: "It's clear voters have lost confidence in Keir Starmer and, with his own MPs calling for him to go, he has become a lame duck leader who lacks the authority needed to deliver change."
He concluded with a direct appeal: "This never-ending chaos can't go on. Keir Starmer should do the decent thing and resign."
Accountability and Final Decision Responsibility
While Mr McSweeney advised the Prime Minister regarding Lord Mandelson's appointment, Mr Flynn asserted that Sir Keir ultimately made the final decision despite public awareness of his relationship with Epstein.
"That is unforgivable and entirely on Keir Starmer," Mr Flynn stated unequivocally.
The Prime Minister has previously criticised his former ambassador, accusing him of dishonesty regarding the extent of his connection with the convicted sex offender.
Scottish Greens Join Calls for Accountability
Mr Flynn's demands coincide with the Scottish Greens urging Scottish Labour to "take a stand" against Sir Keir's leadership.
Gillian Mackay, the party's co-leader, declared: "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."
She highlighted upcoming electoral considerations, noting: "In a matter of months, Scotland will be voting and people won't forget a party that refuses to hold its own leadership to account."
Ms Mackay added: "While Keir Starmer clings to office, Anas Sarwar and his colleagues are looking like a rubber stamp rather than a force for change. Labour members and voters in Scotland deserve clarity, and they deserve better. Every Labour MP and MSP has a voice, and they must use them. If Scottish Labour believes in integrity and transparency, then they must take a stand, challenge their London leadership and hold them to account."
Criticism of Scottish Labour Leadership
Mr Flynn extended his criticism to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, accusing him of "real political cowardice over the Mandelson scandal."
He remarked: "His 'old friend' is tearing the Labour Government apart and he's nowhere to be seen. Sarwar wants voters to believe that he has what it takes to be First Minister but whenever there's a Labour Party scandal he declines media interviews, ducks responsibility and runs scared of scrutiny."
The SNP Westminster leader concluded: "That isn't someone who has the strength to stand up for Scotland. It's time he came out of hiding, grew a backbone, and called for Keir Starmer to go."
The UK Government and Scottish Labour have been approached for comment regarding these developments.
