Prime Minister Keir Starmer is brushing off intense pressure to resign following the backlash over Peter Mandelson’s Epstein associations, with his office signaling business as usual. The Labour chief, in power for 19 months, prioritizes policy delivery amid the chaos.
Spokespeople emphasized Starmer’s commitment: ‘He’s immersed in driving nationwide transformation.’ This came swiftly after his top communications officer and chief of staff quit, spotlighting cracks in his high command.
The core issue? Starmer’s nomination of Mandelson as US ambassador, ignoring the veteran’s post-2008 ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Critics slam this as reckless, fueling demands for Starmer’s head.
Per BBC, Starmer projected optimism addressing staff, appearing ‘happy and confident.’ Weekend resignation whispers were rebuffed: ‘The PM this morning showed no signs of stepping away.’
Sunday saw Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s election mastermind from 2024, resign. He called the Mandelson pick ‘wrong,’ shouldered blame for the ‘profound damage’ to party, nation, and politics, and exited stage left.
The Foreign Office now reviews Mandelson’s exit payout, echoing Starmer’s September dismissal of him over Epstein. Spokespeople tout Starmer’s ‘unwavering determination’ and solid Cabinet unity.
This episode tests Starmer’s resilience early in his term. With key lieutenants gone and scandals brewing, can he refocus on manifesto promises or does it foreshadow turmoil ahead?