UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has narrowly averted a leadership challenge after a dramatic day of crisis, with Labour MPs deciding to stick with him despite calls for his resignation from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. The turmoil was sparked by fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files, which raised questions about Starmer’s judgment in appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador.
On Monday, Starmer faced his toughest day as prime minister when Sarwar publicly urged him to step down, citing failures in leadership. For hours, Starmer’s position appeared precarious, with cabinet members initially silent. However, a swift rearguard action from his team prompted a cascade of support messages from key figures like Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, which helped stabilize the situation. Starmer later told Labour lawmakers that he has won every fight he’s been in, demonstrating his resolve to stay in power.
The crisis is deeply tied to the Epstein scandal, specifically Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson, a veteran politician with known ties to the convicted sex offender. Newly released files revealed that Mandelson maintained a friendship with Epstein post-conviction and is now under police investigation for potentially passing sensitive government information. Starmer has apologized for the appointment, but the damage to his authority is significant, with many questioning his political judgment.
Beyond the Epstein fallout, Starmer’s premiership has been marred by domestic challenges. Since leading Labour to a landslide victory 19 months ago, he has struggled to deliver on economic promises, facing issues like high inflation and slow growth. Policy U-turns on welfare cuts and digital ID cards have further eroded confidence, contributing to a sense of instability within his government.
Potential leadership contenders are waiting in the wings, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. However, internal discussions highlight flaws in each candidate, which partly explains why Starmer remains leader. Streeting, in particular, has faced scrutiny for his relationship with Mandelson and was ordered not to release private WhatsApp messages after doing so preemptively.
Starmer’s immediate survival was bolstered by his performance at a Parliamentary Labour Party meeting, where he impressed with a defiant speech. Yet, his team is depleted, with key staff like chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigning over the Mandelson affair. The prime minister now faces the task of rebuilding his inner circle while maintaining party unity.
Looking ahead, Starmer’s reprieve may be temporary. Upcoming elections in February and May pose critical tests, with poor results potentially reigniting leadership challenges. Analysts like Tim Bale suggest that while Starmer has bought some time, his long-term prospects remain uncertain, and the Labour Party must decide whether to stick with him or seek a new leader midterm.
In summary, Starmer’s future hangs in the balance as he navigates the aftermath of the Epstein scandal and broader political discontent, with the coming weeks likely to determine his fate as prime minister.
