Starmer Allies Issue Stark Warning to Labour Rebels Over Leadership Challenge
Allies of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have issued a direct warning to rebellious Labour MPs, stating that any leadership coup orchestrated by Angela Rayner would inevitably trigger a general election. The Prime Minister is currently fighting to retain his position in Downing Street as he reels from the escalating scandal surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.
Mounting Pressure and Parliamentary Revolt
Sir Keir Starmer is facing intense pressure from within his own party, with numerous backbenchers openly questioning his political future following the revelations about Lord Mandelson. The Prime Minister has pledged to release documents related to Mandelson's controversial appointment in February of last year. However, in a significant development, the Government has relinquished control over the release of this material to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), which will now determine what information is made public.
This decision followed a dramatic House of Commons revolt on Wednesday, led by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, which forced Sir Keir into a major policy U-turn. In the aftermath of this parliamentary drama, The Daily Mail reports that Ms. Rayner told a fellow MP, 'I will be ready' to launch a formal leadership challenge. This assertion comes despite an ongoing investigation into her personal tax affairs.
The Constitutional and Political Argument for an Election
Supporters of Sir Keir Starmer are now forcefully arguing that any new Prime Minister, such as Angela Rayner, would lack a direct personal mandate from the British electorate. Consequently, they contend that such a change in leadership would constitutionally and politically necessitate an immediate general election.
One senior Labour figure, who has previously served on Sir Keir's front bench, told The Telegraph: 'Presumably Angela Rayner, if she got elected, would have a completely different agenda. If you come in with a completely different agenda then the country legitimately says, 'We didn't vote for this'. And so what are the grounds for refusing a general election? You can claim constitutional grounds, but in the world of frenzied media, of TikTok, YouTube and GB News, is it really sustainable? It doesn't feel sustainable to me.'
A Cabinet minister loyal to Sir Keir echoed this sentiment, stating plainly: 'The pressure for an election would be enormous.' This warning is seen as a direct message to MPs considering supporting a leadership change.
The Deepening Mandelson Scandal and US Relations
The political crisis is compounded by serious government fears that the release of Lord Mandelson's emails and messages from his tenure as US ambassador could severely damage Sir Keir Starmer's efforts to maintain a close relationship with former US President Donald Trump. Officials are concerned that the material, published as part of an inquiry into Mandelson's hiring, may contain 'damaging' comments made by the former diplomat about the famously sensitive American leader.
One official informed Politico that 'there is lots which could be damaging', noting that the disgraced former minister 'used to download his thoughts in real time'. The scandal has been magnified by files from the Jeffrey Epstein case, which revealed Mandelson sharing lewd and offhand messages with the late convicted sex offender, including jokes about 'well-hung young men' made while he was a serving Cabinet minister.
These revelations place the Prime Minister under immense pressure, raising fundamental questions about his judgment and his ability to retain power. Labour grandee Baroness Harriet Harman criticised Sir Keir's response, saying it appeared 'weak and naive and gullible' for him to claim he was lied to by Mandelson. She warned that the scandal could 'finish him off' unless he takes decisive corrective action.
Calls for Resignations and a Number 10 'Clearout'
Leadership speculation intensified on Thursday as the Prime Minister delivered a speech apologising to Jeffrey Epstein's victims for believing Lord Mandelson's 'lies' about his association with the financier. In response, backbenchers have demanded either the sacking of Sir Keir's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney—who advocated for Mandelson's appointment—or for the Prime Minister himself to step down.
Labour MP Simon Opher explicitly called for a 'clearout' of Number 10 advisers, stating on BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think what needs to really happen is that we need to, Keir Starmer needs to change his advisers in Number 10, I think he's been badly advised, and he's been really let down, particularly on this decision.' When asked if this meant McSweeney should leave, Opher replied, 'I think so yes'.
However, Immigration Minister Mike Tapp today publicly defended the embattled aide during media interviews, rejecting calls for his dismissal.
Strained US Relations and Investigative Delays
The so-called 'special relationship' between the UK and the United States is already under significant strain, despite Sir Keir Starmer's attempts to preserve it. Former President Trump has imposed tariffs on UK imports, engaged in major disputes with NATO allies, and made disparaging remarks about British troops who served in Afghanistan. The potential release of damaging comments from Mandelson could further jeopardise this crucial diplomatic partnership.
Furthermore, the publication of the documents faces potential delays. The Metropolitan Police has requested that the Government withhold any material that might 'undermine' its own investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. Simultaneously, the ISC has stated it cannot provide a timetable for release, as it must review whether certain papers should be withheld on national security grounds.
At an emergency press conference in Hastings, a visibly rattled Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated he was 'utterly disgusted' by the revelations concerning Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and expressed regret over the ambassadorial appointment. Despite the mounting fury within Labour ranks and calls for his chief of staff's resignation, Sir Keir insisted he would 'go on'. Downing Street has formally rejected demands from Labour MPs to sack Morgan McSweeney, setting the stage for continued internal conflict and uncertainty over the party's leadership and future direction.
