The Labour Party is bracing for a storm as Keir Starmer’s leadership teeters under the weight of a fresh scandal involving Lord Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein.
What began as a controversial appointment has now escalated into a full-blown crisis, leaving allies and rivals alike questioning how long the Prime Minister can survive politically.
Starmer’s Gamble on Mandelson Backfires
The crisis erupted when Sir Keir admitted in the Commons that he appointed Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States, fully aware that Mandelson had maintained a friendship with Epstein even after the financier was jailed.
Starmer insisted that details of the vetting process could not be made public for reasons of “national security” and “international relations.”
But anger quickly swept through Labour ranks, with MPs—including former deputy Angela Rayner—threatening to support a Tory motion demanding disclosure.
Within hours, the government was forced into a U-turn.
The cross-party Intelligence and Security Committee now has the responsibility to determine what information can be released, with its chair warning that “embarrassment” alone cannot justify withholding evidence.
Downing Street has tried to downplay the likelihood of an immediate release, but the pressure is mounting.
Loyalists Question Starmer’s Grip on Power
Even Starmer’s traditional supporters are expressing doubt.
Senior MPs warn that the situation “will not end well,” and the “clock is ticking” on his leadership.
Former Cabinet minister Lord Hutton went further, suggesting that Starmer’s time in power could be nearing its end.
Meanwhile, demands are rising for chief aide Morgan McSweeney to be dismissed over his handling of the Mandelson affair, which intensified after millions of Epstein-related emails were released in the United States, highlighting the depth of Mandelson’s connections.
Starmer, however, has expressed confidence in McSweeney, while Housing Secretary Steve Reed confirmed the aide’s position remains secure.
Potential Challengers Face Obstacles
While Starmer’s rivals quietly assess their options, the path to leadership is far from straightforward.
Angela Rayner, despite her support among Labour MPs, faces unresolved tax issues following her resignation last September.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is viewed as politically active but has prior ties to Mandelson, complicating his position.
Other potential contenders also face hurdles: Andy Burnham was blocked from standing in the Gorton & Denton by-election, limiting his visibility, while Defence Minister Al Carns is relatively inexperienced, having entered Parliament only in 2024.
Ed Miliband remains a theoretical replacement but has publicly declined to pursue the role.
Labour rules also require 80 MP nominations for a leadership challenge, making timing a critical factor.
A senior Labour source told the press, “Would any credible challenger go before the by-election or before May? That’s not tempting.”
The reality is that, for now, Starmer retains a narrow window to navigate the crisis before internal pressures become unavoidable.
Starmer Seeks to Refocus on Domestic Policy
In an attempt to shift attention away from the scandal, Starmer planned a speech in the South East focusing on domestic policy.
However, questions about Mandelson and Epstein were expected to dominate any discussion.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized Starmer’s decisive action, saying on Sky News, “The person at fault here is not the Prime Minister or his team.
It is Peter Mandelson who lied, manipulated and deceived everybody, including the media. The Prime Minister couldn’t have been more decisive. He sacked Peter Mandelson at 5am months ago.”
Reed described his own reaction to the documents as feeling “punched in the stomach.”
Mandelson Responds
Lord Mandelson has denied breaking any laws or acting for personal gain, and he has reiterated regret over his friendship with Epstein.
Yet, with the fallout continuing, the question now is whether Starmer can weather the storm—or if this marks the beginning of the end of his premiership.
