Epstein files rock Downing Street as Starmer fights to hold on amid calls to quit

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing his toughest challenge yet as calls for his resignation grew shriller in Downing Street after heads rolled in his government over the Epstein files. The crisis deepened after the released files revealed the UK’s envoy to the US, Peter Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction, and the subsequent exchange of sensitive government information for money, which led to his sacking last September.

Already facing anger over his decision to appoint Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US, Starmer faced another jolt on Monday as his chief of staff and closest aide, Morgan McSweeney, quit over his role in Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s envoy to Washington. Shortly after, Starmer’s communications chief, Tim Allan, also quit.

Against this backdrop, calls for Starmer’s resignation have grown bolder from within his party ranks after Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar publicly called for a change in the UK’s leadership. Sarwar’s intervention, alongside the departure of two key aides, has amplified doubts about Starmer’s ability to maintain control of his government at a critical juncture.

In an attempt to steady his government amid the turmoil, Starmer addressed Downing Street staff, expressing regret over Mandelson’s appointment and acknowledging the contributions of the aides who have stepped down. “We must prove that politics can be a force for good,” he said, and described McSweeney as “a friend” who was instrumental in the party’s recent election success, reported international news agency Reuters.

“I believe it can. I believe it is. We go forward from here. We go with confidence as we continue changing the country,” Starmer went on to address the emerging political crisis.

Despite Starmer’s efforts, Sarwar’s call for change resonated across the party, particularly in Scotland where Labour support has declined since the 2024 election. Sarwar stated, “The distraction needs to end and the leadership in Downing Street has to change,” underscoring the level of dissatisfaction within Labour’s ranks.

Despite growing discontent, Starmer remains determined to stay put, with a Downing Street spokesperson reaffirming his electoral mandate, describing it as “a clear five-year mandate from the British people to deliver change, and that is what he will do.”

With Sarwar’s public statement, he became the most senior Labour figure to advocate for Starmer’s resignation. The development heightened tensions in Westminster, leaving parliamentarians and observers questioning the stability of Starmer’s government.

Financial markets reacted to the uncertainty, as British government borrowing costs increased. The rise reflected investor concerns that a shift to a more left-wing Labour leader might result in higher public spending and borrowing.

Starmer’s nearly two-year record in government is facing renewed scrutiny. Critics have pointed to policy reversals and public missteps that have undermined confidence in his leadership. One Labour lawmaker, speaking anonymously, told Reuters, “It’s painful,” and added, “It’s like watching a fatal car crash in slow motion.”

Despite the pressure, some senior Labour ministers have rallied behind Starmer. Deputy leader David Lammy, finance minister Rachel Reeves, and foreign minister Yvette Cooper all signaled their continued support. Lammy stated on X, “We should let nothing distract us from our mission to change Britain and we support the Prime Minister in doing that.”

Starmer had hoped that McSweeney’s resignation would help reset the government’s agenda, particularly its focus on addressing the cost-of-living crisis and strengthening the economy. However, the ongoing fallout from the Mandelson appointment has made it difficult for Starmer to shift attention back to policy priorities.

Opposition voices have seized on the turmoil. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, slammed Starmer’s leadership and told Reuters, “He’s like a plastic bag blowing in the wind. We need him to get a grip and if he can’t do it then someone else in the Labour Party needs to do that, or they should have an election.”

The Mandelson controversy intensified after he was dismissed as ambassador in September, following the release of Justice Department files. These suggested Mandelson may have leaked information to Epstein during the financial crisis. Mandelson is now under police investigation for alleged misconduct in office, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding his appointment and dismissal.

Starmer, in defending his actions, accused Mandelson of creating a “litany of deceit” regarding his connections to Epstein. The Prime Minister promised to publish documents detailing the appointment process to address concerns about transparency and accountability.

Starmer will meet with Labour lawmakers to address their concerns and attempt to quell dissent within the party. As the week begins, the Prime Minister faces one of the most severe challenges of his leadership, with both his authority and the future direction of the government in sharp focus.