British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is struggling to contain the fallout from the Epstein scandal, as key resignations within his inner circle add to growing political pressure over his controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
The crisis, now considered the most serious of Starmer’s premiership, escalated Monday with the resignation of communications chief Tim Allan, less than 24 hours after the departure of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. Both had been closely tied to the decision to appoint Mandelson, despite known links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The backlash centers on newly disclosed emails indicating Mandelson maintained a personal relationship with Epstein well after his 2008 conviction. Starmer, in office for just 19 months, has come under heavy criticism for overlooking these associations during Mandelson’s vetting.
In a further blow, documents released by the US government on January 30 appeared to show Mandelson had leaked confidential UK government information to Epstein while serving as a minister during the 2008 financial crisis. The UK police have opened an investigation into Mandelson, 72, for misconduct in public office and raided two of his properties. He has not been arrested.
Morgan McSweeney’s departure removes Starmer’s closest adviser at a time of mounting instability. Communications director Tim Allan stated he was stepping down “to allow a new No.10 team to be built.” These exits contribute to a growing pattern of internal turnover, U-turns, and missteps that have damaged public trust in the administration.
Opposition, Labour MPs turn up heat on Starmer
Conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch sharply criticized Starmer, telling the BBC that his position had become “untenable.”
“Advisers advise, leaders decide. He made a bad decision; he should take responsibility for that,” she said.
Within Labour, discontent is also simmering. Several backbench MPs, particularly from the party's left, have called on Starmer to resign. However, prominent party figures have continued to defend him, citing the lack of a clear successor and the importance of party unity ahead of local elections in May.
One Labour MP told AFP, “Turn it around? He has 3.5 years to run and 400 MPs,” referring to the party’s large parliamentary majority.
What’s next for Starmer amid UK political fallout?
Labour has been trailing Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party by double-digit margins for over a year. With the next general election scheduled for 2029, the prime minister’s team is working to limit further damage.
Starmer dismissed Mandelson in September 2025, following revelations from the US Congress about the extent of his Epstein ties. In public remarks, Starmer, a former top prosecutor, apologized to Epstein’s victims and accused Mandelson of lying during the ambassadorial vetting process.
The UK government is expected to release thousands of communications, documents, and internal messages relating to Mandelson’s appointment, a move likely to intensify scrutiny of Starmer and other senior Labour figures.
Adding to the pressure, a critical by-election on February 28 could serve as a referendum on Starmer’s leadership. A defeat may further weaken his grip on the party and embolden internal calls for change.
Source:Websites
