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Starmer Survives Internal Challenge Amid Epstein-Mandelson Fallout
UK PM Keir Starmer survives calls to resign after revelations about Peter Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Cabinet rallies support, but Labour faces falling approval and election pressures.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-10
Starmer Survives Internal Challenge Amid Epstein-Mandelson Fallout

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emerged unscathed on Monday after a dramatic day in which Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for his resignation over revelations linking former ambassador Peter Mandelson to late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The controversy erupted following the release of US Department of Justice documents suggesting Mandelson maintained a close friendship with Epstein even after the latter’s 2008 conviction for soliciting sex with a minor. The documents allege Mandelson received payments and passed sensitive information to Epstein during the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

Starmer admitted he knew of Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein when appointing him ambassador to the US in 2025 but said the peer had lied about its extent. The scandal has prompted resignations and intense scrutiny within Labour.

Internal Pressure and Cabinet Support

Two key members of Starmer’s team have resigned:

  • Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, took responsibility for advising Mandelson’s appointment.
  • Tim Allan, communications chief, resigned to allow a “new No 10 team” amid political fallout.

A third senior official, cabinet secretary Chris Wormald, is reportedly under pressure to step down.

While Sarwar became the first Labour heavyweight to publicly call for Starmer’s resignation, the prime minister received a wave of support from his cabinet. Senior figures including Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting, and Douglas Alexander rallied behind him, urging unity and continuity.

“None of us knew the depth and darkness of that relationship,” Starmer said in a public apology, adding that he was “sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointing him.”

Mandelson’s Alleged Misconduct

The latest tranche of Epstein files suggests Mandelson:

  • Maintained ties with Epstein after his 2008 conviction.
  • May have received financial payments from Epstein.
  • Allegedly shared market-sensitive information while serving as UK business secretary in 2009.

The UK police have opened a criminal investigation into possible misconduct in public office linked to Mandelson. Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party and the House of Lords following the new revelations.

Impact on Starmer and Labour

Political analysts say the scandal has damaged Starmer’s public trust and risks affecting upcoming elections.

“Starmer has survived this immediate threat, but his approval has dropped sharply and Labour risks losses in the May Scottish elections,” said Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London. “A by-election loss in February could reignite calls for his resignation.”

The rise of Reform UK, the far-right party led by Nigel Farage, adds further pressure. Labour faces criticism over immigration management, including unsafe English Channel crossings and a largely ineffective UK-France migrant deal.

Potential Leadership Challenges

While Starmer retains his position for now, several figures are considered potential successors if his leadership is challenged:

  • Angela Rayner, former deputy prime minister.
  • Wes Streeting, health secretary.
  • Shabana Mahmood, home secretary, popular for her immigration policies.

Starmer has emphasized that the current period is “a fight for our lives” against political fragmentation and opposition parties, including Reform UK.
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