Keir Starmer struggles to hold onto power as David Lammy confirms he advised against Lord Mandelson appointment amid public outrage in the UK

Keir Starmer’s leadership is facing one of the most intense challenges of his career as fresh details reveal he ignored advice from senior allies before appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington.

Former Foreign Secretary David Lammy has admitted he warned the Prime Minister against the appointment, sparking doubts about Starmer’s judgment at a pivotal moment in his premiership.

Sources indicate that Lammy, together with former national security adviser Jonathan Powell, recommended extending Dame Karen Pierce’s tenure in Washington instead of bringing Mandelson into the role.

Despite these warnings, Starmer went ahead with the appointment in February 2025, a decision now under fierce scrutiny due to Mandelson’s controversial friendship with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Starmer’s Apology Fails to Calm the Storm

The Prime Minister has publicly apologised, admitting he “believed Mandelson’s assurances” about his past connections to Epstein.

However, this acknowledgment has done little to calm critics within his own party.

Labour MPs and voters alike are questioning whether Starmer can survive the mounting political pressure, especially as polls show a sharp decline in public support.

Angela Rayner, the former deputy PM, is being talked about as a potential successor, along with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, and Deputy Leader Lucy Powell.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s leadership hopes appear to be fading after he was blocked from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election by allies of Starmer.

Polling Numbers Signal Deepening Crisis

Recent polling by Opinium paints a grim picture for the Prime Minister.

A majority of voters believe he should resign, while just a fraction feel he should remain in office.

His approval rating has dropped to only 17 percent, with disapproval standing at 61 percent, giving him a net rating of -44.

For comparison, this places Starmer behind other major party leaders, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat Sir Ed Davey.

Most of the public also believes Starmer should have foreseen the backlash over Mandelson and avoided the appointment, with only a small segment seeing the decision as reasonable based on what was known at the time.

James Crouch, head of policy at Opinium, noted that voters are increasingly questioning the Prime Minister’s judgment and placing responsibility on both him and his advisers.

Mandelson Faces Calls to Return Payout

Adding to the Prime Minister’s woes, it has emerged that Mandelson received a substantial severance payment when he was dismissed from his role in September 2025.

Pressure is building for him to return the taxpayer-funded payout or donate it to a charity supporting victims of abuse.

The Foreign Office has initiated a review following new revelations, stressing that normal civil service procedures were followed and promising to keep Parliament updated as the situation develops.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police continue to investigate allegations of misconduct in public office involving Mandelson.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart has warned that the investigation will take time, given the volume of evidence that needs to be reviewed.

Mandelson Denies Wrongdoing

Lord Mandelson maintains his innocence, asserting that the so-called “Epstein files” do not prove any illegal actions or personal gain.

He has repeatedly expressed regret over his friendship with Epstein but insists that he acted within the law.

A spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister Lammy has confirmed that while he provided warnings, his focus remains on supporting the Prime Minister and delivering for the British public.

What’s Next?

The coming weeks will be critical for Starmer as Labour insiders suggest a leadership challenge could emerge if polling continues to show declining support.

The Foreign Office review and the ongoing police investigation into Mandelson could escalate the crisis further.

With public sentiment firmly against him, Starmer will need a clear strategy to manage the fallout if he hopes to retain his position.

Summary

David Lammy and Jonathan Powell advised Starmer not to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, but he proceeded anyway.

The Prime Minister apologised for trusting Mandelson, yet his approval ratings have sunk to unprecedented lows, with the majority of voters saying he should step down.

Mandelson is facing scrutiny over his severance payment while the Foreign Office review and police investigation continue.

Labour insiders are now discussing potential successors, leaving Starmer’s political future in serious doubt.