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In a bid to maintain stability within the Labour Party, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has appealed to fellow MPs not to undermine Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership following criticism over the handling of Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador. Acknowledging the significant misstep involved, McFadden insisted that a leadership change would not resolve the pressing issues facing the country.
Calls for Caution
McFadden’s comments come as unrest within the party escalates. He labelled Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson in 2024—a choice made despite Mandelson’s known connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein—as a “terrible mistake.” However, he urged Labour MPs to refrain from making hasty decisions that could jeopardise the party’s recent electoral gains, stating, “dropping the pilot” would not provide the solutions the nation requires.
The controversy has intensified, particularly after Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, called for a leadership change, stating that “everybody’s thinking it” and expressing concerns about the government losing focus due to the scandal. Wright stressed the urgency of the matter, suggesting that Labour cannot afford to wait until the local elections in May to address leadership issues.
Mandelson’s Fallout
The backlash against Starmer intensified following revelations about Lord Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with Epstein after the latter’s conviction. Last year, Starmer dismissed Mandelson from his role after emails surfaced showing supportive communications during Epstein’s legal troubles. Starmer has since accused Mandelson of misrepresenting the nature of their relationship during the vetting process.
In light of the unfolding scandal, McFadden has also called on Mandelson to return any severance payment he received or to donate it to a suitable charity, emphasising the need for accountability within the party.
Pressure Mounts on Chief of Staff
As criticism mounts, calls for Sir Keir to dismiss his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, have gained traction. Former cabinet minister Lord Blunkett echoed these sentiments, advocating for a leadership refresh and an open dialogue with party members. Blunkett argued that a change in leadership is not the sole solution, urging collective effort rather than scapegoating Starmer.
The current turmoil has drawn attention not just from within Labour but also from Conservative ranks. Shadow minister Alex Burghart stated that Mandelson’s appointment has severely eroded trust in Starmer’s judgement and underscored the necessity of transparency in the ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation into Mandelson’s conduct.
Investigative Developments
The Metropolitan Police are currently probing allegations of misconduct concerning Mandelson, with the government facing pressure to release up to 100,000 documents pertaining to his vetting and communications with Labour officials. This release could unveil potentially damaging information, although the police have requested that certain documents remain unpublished to avoid compromising their investigation.
Mandelson has not publicly commented on the allegations but reportedly maintains that he has acted legally and ethically throughout his career.
Why it Matters
The fallout from the Mandelson affair poses significant risks for Labour’s public image and electoral prospects. As internal dissent grows, the party must navigate this crisis carefully to avoid fracturing its unity. The handling of this situation will test Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership and could have lasting implications for Labour’s credibility as it seeks to maintain its foothold in British politics.
