Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces intense pressure from within his own party today as Labour MPs demand he publicly apologises to secure his position, following the dramatic resignation of his closest ally, Morgan McSweeney. The crisis erupted over the controversial appointment of peer Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, a decision that has plunged the government into turmoil.
Downing Street in Lockdown as Scandal Escalates
Sir Keir has retreated to Downing Street, cancelling all public engagements, as the fallout from the Mandelson appointment claims its first major casualty. Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Minister's chief of staff and long-time strategist, resigned yesterday, stating he took "full responsibility" for the decision to send Mandelson to Washington. This occurred despite knowledge that Mandelson had maintained ties with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein after his imprisonment for child-sex offences.
Parliamentary Party Meeting Looms Large
Labour MPs are warning that Sir Keir must demonstrate he fully comprehends the severity of the crisis when he addresses a highly-charged meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party this evening. There are calls for him to make a significant political shift to the left to regain trust. However, speculation is mounting that the Prime Minister might consider stepping down, with notable silence from senior Cabinet ministers adding to the uncertainty.
In a bizarre twist, a British Airways flight simulator was installed outside Number 10 this morning, though its purpose remains unclear amidst the political chaos.
Cabinet Disarray and Public Defence
The government's response has appeared disjointed. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden was reportedly "f***ed over" when sent to defend McSweeney on television just hours before the chief of staff's resignation was announced. Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith was subsequently deployed to broadcast media to insist the Prime Minister is not on the verge of quitting, though she admitted she had not spoken to Sir Keir personally.
Lady Smith stated, "The Prime Minister absolutely is determined to continue. He's determined and has taken responsibility for the mistakes made in appointing Peter Mandelson. He's apologised to Epstein's victims, and he's determined now to put right a system that enabled this to happen."
Growing Calls for Resignation
Left-wing Labour MPs are increasingly vocal in demanding Sir Keir's resignation. Former campaigns chief Jon Trickett declared, "The buck stops at the top," while Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, argued, "There must be a change in political direction and that comes from the very top. The Prime Minister must look at his own position and question whether he should follow McSweeney's lead one last time, and resign for the good of the country and the Labour Party."
Liverpool MP Kim Johnson described the Prime Minister's position as "untenable," and York MP Rachael Maskell called McSweeney's departure merely "a start," warning that Sir Keir will find it "very difficult to continue" if he fails to grasp the seriousness of the situation.
Internal Speculation and External Criticism
Within Labour ranks, there is open speculation about how long Sir Keir can govern without McSweeney, who was widely regarded as "the PM's brain" and architect of his rise to power. Although potential rivals like Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting, and Andy Burnham do not currently appear poised to challenge for leadership, the vacuum is palpable.
Two Cabinet ministers anonymously told The Times that Sir Keir is "weaker" and "could stand down at any moment," though Number 10 has categorically denied these claims. Union leaders are also applying pressure, with Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright and Transport Salaried Staffs' Association general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust both calling for a new leader, citing impending electoral challenges.
Tory Leader Condemns Starmer's Leadership
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch launched a scathing attack on Sir Keir, accusing him of allowing McSweeney to "carry the can" for a decision he ultimately made. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme, "Advisers advise, leaders decide. He made a bad decision, he should take responsibility for that... He promised a Government that would be whiter than white. His position now is untenable."
Despite the turmoil, some allies are urging stability. Starmer supporter John Slinger cautioned that "the last thing the country needs is leadership speculations," and Labour grandee Lord Blunkett warned against "a party acting like ferrets in a sack."
As the Prime Minister prepares for tonight's critical meeting, the political future of Keir Starmer hangs in the balance, with the Mandelson scandal exposing deep fractures within the Labour Party and testing his leadership to its limits.
