Defiant Starmer to Lead Labour Fightback Despite Mounting Resignation Demands
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to launch a defiant public fightback next week, positioning himself at the forefront of his beleaguered government's response to growing calls for his resignation over the escalating Peter Mandelson scandal. Downing Street has confirmed that Sir Keir will be "out and about" across the country, actively making the case for why his Labour administration is delivering tangible results for working people.
Mounting Pressure from Within Labour Ranks
The prime minister's bold public relations strategy comes as internal party pressure intensifies dramatically. A senior trade union leader has broken ranks to openly demand Starmer's resignation, joining an increasing chorus of Labour MPs and peers who believe he must face serious consequences for his controversial decision-making. This internal rebellion represents a significant challenge to Starmer's authority within his own party.
Even Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, appeared uncertain about the prime minister's immediate political future when questioned by The Independent. She was unable to confirm whether Starmer would personally campaign in the crucial Gorton and Denton by-election, a contest that could potentially determine his political fate.
The Mandelson Appointment Controversy Deepens
The government has been severely rocked by revelations concerning Peter Mandelson's close relationship with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Sir Keir admitted last week that he was aware Mandelson maintained this relationship even after Epstein's conviction, yet proceeded with his controversial appointment as ambassador to the United States despite serious reservations within the Trump White House.
This was followed by a humiliating policy reversal as Labour rebels, led by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, forced Starmer to release all vetting documents related to Mandelson's diplomatic appointment. Recently released US government documents from January include email exchanges from when Mandelson served in Gordon Brown's cabinet, with one suggesting he provided Epstein advance notice of a €500 billion EU bailout to save the Euro in 2010.
Police have now launched an investigation into Mandelson, conducting raids on his properties last Friday. Mandelson has not responded to media requests for comment, though sources indicate his position maintains he committed no criminal acts and was not motivated by financial gain.
Internal Criticism and Calls for Systemic Change
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright articulated the growing sentiment within Labour's broader movement when asked by the BBC whether Starmer should resign, stating plainly: "Everybody's thinking it." He noted that senior figures including current Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and his predecessor Angela Rayner have publicly stated they advised against Mandelson's appointment at the time.
Labour peer Baroness Ayesha Hazarika revealed she was told to "shut up" and faced complaints from fellow peers when she questioned Mandelson's appointment appropriateness. She warned of a "boy's club" that protected the disgraced former Labour peer, who had previously resigned twice over inappropriate behaviour. Hazarika praised Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch alongside Labour MPs Rayner and Dame Meg Hillier for forcing transparency regarding Mandelson's vetting.
"Everyone knew Mandelson mixed in these circles," Hazarika explained. "The calculation was these are the slightly tawdry circles in which the US President moves... we need a guy who sits in those hot tubs."
Downing Street Damage Control Efforts
In a clear sign of growing panic within Number 10, Downing Street deployed Welfare Secretary Pat McFadden to manage the escalating crisis. A former close ally of Mandelson, McFadden suggested the disgraced peer should donate his taxpayer-funded severance package—potentially tens of thousands—"to a charity, perhaps one involving violence against women and girls."
McFadden insisted that even while serving as Mandelson's deputy in 2009, he had "no idea" about this aspect of his life and was unaware of Epstein when Mandelson was allegedly "live downloading" government market-sensitive documents for the financier. Defending Starmer's actions, McFadden stated the prime minister had "acted in good faith throughout this" and was "horrified" by recent revelations.
The welfare secretary displayed visible irritation at Lammy and Rayner for briefing about their opposition to Mandelson's appointment, remarking: "They're over 21, you know, they'll have to answer for themselves on what they're saying." He also defended Starmer's controversial chief of staff Morgan McSweeney against calls for his dismissal.
Mixed Support and Calls for Operational Overhaul
Starmer loyalist John Slinger emerged from the backbenches to defend the prime minister, claiming "there's success everywhere you look" within the government. Meanwhile, former home secretary Lord Blunkett suggested only Starmer and his wife Victoria could determine his political future, stating: "No-one else this weekend or in the days ahead are going to determine that."
While joining former prime minister Gordon Brown in arguing against Starmer's immediate resignation, Blunkett described the government's current situation as "dire" and called unequivocally for McSweeney's dismissal. "He needs a new chief of staff," Blunkett warned. "He needs an opening up of the routes to him so that people can reach him and he can hear what people are thinking and feeling."
This sentiment reflects broader concerns that even Starmer's defenders believe dramatic changes to his Downing Street operation are essential for political survival, with the sacking of his chief of staff becoming a focal point for those demanding systemic reform within the prime minister's inner circle.
