London, United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing renewed scrutiny from within the Labour Party following his appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States, after emails highlighted Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein and an alleged willingness to leak government business.
Appointment and initial expectations
Starmer’s decision to name Mandelson as ambassador to the United States was initially described as an inspired move aimed at managing relations with Donald Trump, with Mandelson portrayed as a skilled political operator.
Party concerns and internal criticism
More than a year after the appointment, Labour lawmakers have questioned Starmer’s judgment and leadership, citing emails that illustrated the extent of Mandelson’s ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged willingness to leak government business.
Six Labour lawmakers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the issue had further weakened Starmer amid growing restiveness within the party. They said Starmer was not in immediate danger of losing power, but added that even loyal supporters now suggest it is a question of when, not if, he is removed, with several pointing to the May local elections as a pressure point.
Activist and lawmaker reactions
A Labour activist compared Starmer’s situation to the children’s game Buckaroo, in which players stack items onto a mule until it buckles, saying collapse was inevitable.
A Labour lawmaker said that after months of policy U-turns and missteps over donations, the Mandelson scandal felt like “something has shattered” and would be impossible to recover.
Risk assessment and political impact
Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy, raised the probability of Starmer’s removal this year to 80% from 65% previously, saying the scandal had caused “irreparable damage.”
All six Labour lawmakers, from different wings of the party, said the Mandelson appointment had irreversibly tarnished Starmer, who came to power pledging to clean up politics. Mandelson has been dubbed the “prince of darkness” by British media for behind-the-scenes manoeuvring.
What impact do you think the Mandelson controversy will have on Labour’s performance in the May local elections?
