Labour is in crisis mode as Keir Starmer struggles to steady his leadership amid growing unrest within his own party.
Desperate MPs have reportedly likened his premiership to the “last days of Rome,” reflecting the mood of anxiety in Westminster.
Lord Mandelson Scandal Sparks Fresh Controversy
Starmer is bracing for a three-hour “emergency” debate in the Commons over the Lord Mandelson scandal.
There is speculation that he may send a minister to face MPs instead of confronting the issue personally.
The pressure comes after Starmer finally spoke out on the sacking of the US ambassador, acknowledging that he knew officials were reviewing fresh emails between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein at the time he expressed confidence in the former New Labour architect during PMQs last week.
Starmer insisted he did not know the details of the emails and appeared to place some blame on his aides.
“In retrospect, it would have been better if the detailed allegations had been put in front of me before the session,” he said, admitting his frustration at being “put in that position.”
Support From Gordon Brown Offers Limited Relief
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown attempted to shield Starmer from the mounting criticism, suggesting he is facing “very difficult decisions.”
Speaking to Sky News, Brown said: “I think once the record is out, Keir Starmer will be completely exonerated.”
Despite this support, Starmer faces a volatile political climate at home, with MPs openly warning that his leadership could collapse within months if improvements aren’t made.
Cabinet Turmoil and Low Polling
Starmer convened his Cabinet amid further turbulence, hoping that President Donald Trump’s State Visit might shift attention away from Labour’s troubles.
The party has already suffered a blow with the resignation of a key aide, Paul Ovenden, following the emergence of historical WhatsApp messages containing lewd jokes about Diane Abbott.
Polling paints a grim picture: Labour support has dropped to 20 percent in a YouGov survey, leaving the party nine points behind Reform, while More in Common research shows Starmer’s personal rating at a record low of minus 46.
Criticism Intensifies Within Labour Ranks
Discontent is spreading beyond Downing Street, targeting Starmer directly.
A senior MP told the Daily Mail: “It is the decline of Rome.
This is just the start. In the end, this is about Keir not being able to do politics. He never could and he never will.”
Another veteran Labour moderate added bluntly: “Keir is finished… he was a dud from day one. It was astonishing arrogance to think he could be PM without even liking politics.
It’s like being England manager and saying ‘I don’t like football.’”
Despite growing frustration, removing Starmer would require either his voluntary resignation or an extraordinary Cabinet revolt.
The next general election is not scheduled until 2029, and Labour’s substantial majority in the Commons means a no-confidence motion would need widespread support to trigger an early vote.
Foreign Office Denies Role in Mandelson Appointment
Adding to the scrutiny, the Foreign Office has denied any role in conducting “due diligence” on Lord Mandelson’s appointment.
In a letter to the Foreign Affairs Committee, Yvette Cooper explained that the Cabinet Office’s propriety and ethics team handled the process at No 10’s request, while the FCDO was not involved.
Cooper clarified: “This was not a security check.
After Peter Mandelson’s appointment was announced, the ambassadorial appointment process, including national security vetting, took place prior to him taking up his post.”
She declined to comment on individual security vetting cases, citing long-established practice.