Growing calls for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign intensified Monday, as the leader of the Scottish Labour Party publicly urged him to step down. The pressure on Starmer stems from his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the U.S. Ambassador despite Mandelson’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The political crisis unfolding in the United Kingdom centers on Starmer’s judgment and the fallout from the Epstein scandal, a case that continues to reverberate through international circles. Several aides to the Prime Minister have already resigned in connection with the controversy. On Monday, Tim Allan stepped down as the Prime Minister’s director of communications, according to reports.
“I have decided to resign to allow a new team to be built in Downing Street,” Allan said in a brief statement. “I wish the Prime Minister and the team all the best,” he added, having served in the role for five months.
Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, resigned Sunday, explaining that he was the one who recommended Mandelson for the ambassadorship. “After careful consideration, I have decided to leave government. The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was a mistake. I have damaged our party, our country, and trust in politics,” McSweeney said.
Starmer appointed Mandelson to the Washington post in 2024, despite already being aware of his connections to Epstein. He was later removed from the position in September of last year. The situation worsened for the Prime Minister at the end of January, when the U.S. Department of Justice released another extensive set of documents related to Epstein, revealing the extent of Mandelson’s relationship with the financier.
Starmer apologized to Epstein’s victims following the release of the new documents. He also sharply criticized Mandelson and expressed regret for believing his “lies.” “I was lied to, misled, deceived,” Starmer said. In light of the latest revelations, Mandelson was also forced to leave both the Labour Party and the House of Lords.
Criticism from Scotland, Support from Ministers
“Too many mistakes have been made,” said Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who believes the Labour party needs a new Prime Minister not burdened by distracting issues. The BBC reported that the Scottish Labour party is struggling with low polling numbers, with many pointing to events in Westminster as a contributing factor.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition Conservatives, called on Starmer to seize responsibility Monday, stating that simply offering an apology for bad advice is insufficient. “Advisers advise, leaders decide. He made a bad decision, he should take accountability,” she said.
“I don’t sense a great deal of support for Anas Sarwar in Westminster,” BBC political reporter Nick Eardley commented. “The Prime Minister currently has the support of the cabinet and his former deputy leader, Angela Rayner. That will be a relief for Number 10 Downing Street and may buy the Prime Minister some time.”
Several government officials voiced their support for Starmer. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy wrote on X that the chief of staff has his backing and the government should not “be distracted from its mission to change Britain – and I fully support the Prime Minister in that.”
Labour Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that Starmer will lead the British delegation to the Munich Security Conference, which begins Friday. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, seen as a potential successor to Starmer, also voiced his support for the Prime Minister, according to Sky News. Eardley added that much could change in the coming days and weeks.
Epstein’s Ties to Former Prince Andrew
Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2008 as part of a controversial non-prosecution agreement for sex trafficking of underage girls. A new trial for allegations of sexual abuse of underage girls was scheduled to begin in 2020, and Epstein was awaiting it in jail when he reportedly died by suicide in 2019. Epstein had offered numerous powerful individuals to girls. Among them was former member of the British royal family, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles after his relationships with Epstein were revealed. British police responsible for areas west of London, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former residence at Royal Lodge, announced they are evaluating claims that Andrew sent Epstein messages containing confidential information.
The Associated Press reports that the investigation relates to media reports concerning emails suggesting the former prince sent messages to Epstein from a trip to Southeast Asia in 2010. The Epstein email cache also contained an analysis of investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
The release of further documents by U.S. Authorities at the end of January prompted a response from Prince William and Princess Catherine. “I can confirm that The Prince and Princess of Wales are deeply concerned by the continuing revelations,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “Their thoughts remain with the victims,” they added.
