Starmer Confronts Internal Rebellion Over Mandelson Appointment
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing escalating pressure from within his own Labour Party as he attempts to navigate the deepening crisis surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. The political storm intensified dramatically on Thursday when Sir Keir delivered a public apology to victims of Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging he had been misled about the peer's connections to the convicted paedophile financier.
Leadership Speculation Mounts Amid Revelations
Backbench Labour MPs have issued demands for either the dismissal of Sir Keir's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney or for the Prime Minister himself to consider resignation. These calls follow explosive disclosures about Lord Mandelson's extensive dealings with Epstein, including allegations currently under police investigation that the peer passed market-sensitive information to the financier during his tenure as business secretary following the 2008 financial crisis.
In his Thursday address, Sir Keir stated emphatically that "none of us knew the depth of the darkness" surrounding Mandelson's relationship with Epstein at the time of the ambassadorial appointment last year. The Prime Minister expressed that he shared the "anger and frustration" of parliamentary colleagues but remained steadfast in his commitment to continue leading the government.
Labour Grandees Voice Strong Criticism
Prominent Labour figure Baroness Harriet Harman delivered particularly scathing criticism, describing the Prime Minister's position as appearing "weak and naive and gullible." Speaking on Sky News' Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Harman warned that the scandal could potentially "finish him off" unless decisive corrective action was taken immediately.
"He should be reflecting on why he made that appointment," Baroness Harman asserted. "He should also be thinking about a real reset in Number Ten, because what you need from your team in Number Ten is people who share your values and your principles and who will help you be the best prime minister you can be according to your true self."
The veteran politician contrasted Sir Keir's current predicament with his previous role as Director of Public Prosecutions, noting that "the Keir Starmer who was DPP would never have appointed somebody like Peter Mandelson to represent the country."
Document Release Controversy and Police Investigation
Further complicating matters, the government has relinquished control over potentially damaging documents to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee following a Labour rebellion on Wednesday. These documents are expected to provide significant insight into the decision-making process behind Mandelson's controversial appointment.
However, publication faces potential delays after the Metropolitan Police requested the government withhold any material that might "undermine" their ongoing investigation. The ISC has confirmed it cannot provide a definitive timetable for release as it evaluates whether certain papers should be withheld for national security considerations.
Additional documents released by the US Department of Justice have revealed disturbing details about the relationship between Mandelson and Epstein, including messages that appear to show the peer celebrating Epstein's release from jail as "Liberation day."
Internal Dissent and Leadership Rumours
While only a limited number of Labour MPs, including John McDonnell and Barry Gardiner, have publicly suggested Sir Keir should consider his position, many more have privately expressed diminished confidence in the Prime Minister's Downing Street team. Particular criticism has been directed at Morgan McSweeney, whom numerous MPs blame for facilitating his ally Lord Mandelson's appointment.
The Daily Mail has reported that Sir Keir's former deputy, Angela Rayner, who left government following controversy over stamp duty payments, has informed associates she is "ready" to initiate a leadership campaign should circumstances require. A spokesperson for Ms Rayner has responded to these claims by stating: "We don't recognise these claims."
Despite the mounting pressure, Sir Keir's official spokesman has confirmed the Prime Minister retains "full confidence" in his right-hand man McSweeney. Meanwhile, Lord Mandelson, who has stepped down from the House of Lords, maintains through BBC sources that he did not act criminally and that his actions were not motivated by personal gain.
