New Delhi: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing rising pressure after his chief of staff quit over the controversy linked to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the United States. Questions around Mandelson’s past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have stirred anger within the Labour Party and triggered open chatter about Starmer’s leadership.
According to multiple reports in UK media, Starmer is bracing for a tense meeting with Labour MPs after his top aide Morgan McSweeney stepped down, taking “full responsibility” for advising the prime minister to appoint Peter Mandelson despite concerns over Mandelson’s continued association with Epstein after his conviction. McSweeney said the appointment decision was wrong and that he accepted responsibility for recommending it.
Pressure builds inside Labour
Discontent has been spreading across sections of the Labour Party. Some MPs have said McSweeney’s resignation alone is not enough and argue that the final decision rested with the prime minister. Labour MP Rachael Maskell described the resignation as “a start”, while several left-wing MPs have suggested Starmer should consider stepping down.
Opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has also attacked Starmer, saying he must take responsibility for what she described as a serious error of judgement.
Who could replace Starmer if he steps down?
Although Starmer has not shown any sign that he plans to step down, the deepening political row has set off fresh talk in Westminster about who could take over if the party ends up facing a leadership contest.
Angela Rayner
The former deputy prime minister is seen as a leading contender. Internal Labour polling in recent months has reportedly shown strong support for her among party members. Rayner has a solid base within both the party organisation and grassroots, making her a natural frontrunner in any leadership race.
Wes Streeting
The health secretary is viewed as an ambitious moderniser within Labour. Reports have previously suggested that some in Starmer’s circle believed Streeting was positioning himself as a future leadership candidate. His reform-focused profile and media visibility could make him a serious challenger.
Ed Miliband
Currently serving as energy secretary and a former Labour leader, Miliband remains popular with parts of the party base. He often ranks highly in member preference surveys and is seen as a figure acceptable to Labour’s left and centre-left blocs.
Shabana Mahmood
The home secretary has emerged as a rising figure in the government. Her tough policy positioning, especially on immigration and law-and-order issues, is viewed by some strategists as an attempt to broaden Labour’s electoral appeal ahead of the next general election.