In the heart of British politics, a storm is brewing. Labour MP Clive Lewis’s bold claim that Prime Minister Keir Starmer “doesn’t seem up to the job” has sent shockwaves through Westminster, fueled by the explosive sacking of Lord Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. As a political journalist who’s watched governments rise and fall, I’ve seen scandals shake leaders before, but this one feels different—raw, personal, and dangerously divisive. The Mandelson debacle, coupled with Starmer’s perceived missteps, has sparked a Labour revolt that threatens his leadership just as Donald Trump’s state visit looms. Let’s unpack this crisis, explore its roots, and see what it means for Starmer’s future.
The Mandelson Scandal: A Firestorm Ignites
Lord Peter Mandelson, a Labour grandee and architect of New Labour, was sacked on September 11, 2025, as UK ambassador to the US after emails revealed his close ties to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The fallout has exposed cracks in Starmer’s leadership, with MPs questioning his judgment. This isn’t just a scandal—it’s a test of Starmer’s ability to navigate a turbulent political landscape.
What Happened with Mandelson?
Emails leaked in 2025 showed Mandelson calling Epstein his “best pal” and offering support during his 2008 legal troubles, despite knowing about his crimes. Starmer, who initially backed Mandelson, sacked him within 24 hours of these revelations, prompting accusations of weak decision-making. The timing, just before Trump’s UK visit, has amplified the crisis.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Mandelson’s sacking isn’t just about one man—it’s about trust in Starmer’s government. Labour MPs like Andy McDonald expressed “widespread revulsion” at Mandelson’s Epstein links, while others see it as a symptom of deeper issues in Starmer’s inner circle. I’ve covered enough political missteps to know that trust, once lost, is hard to regain.
Clive Lewis’s Outburst: A Labour Rebellion
Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South, became the first Labour backbencher to publicly call for Starmer’s resignation, citing a “very dangerous atmosphere” in the party. His words reflect growing frustration among MPs who feel Starmer’s judgment is faltering. This rebellion, fresh off Angela Rayner’s resignation, signals a party on edge.
Who Is Clive Lewis?
A left-wing MP and former BBC journalist, Lewis has long been a vocal critic of Labour’s centrist drift. His blunt assessment of Starmer’s leadership echoes sentiments I’ve heard in Westminster pubs—MPs whispering that Starmer’s “Blairite” advisors are steering him into trouble. Lewis’s courage to speak out has emboldened others.
The Context of His Criticism
Lewis’s comments come amid a string of Labour scandals, including Rayner’s exit over tax issues and Mandelson’s sacking. He argues Starmer has “lost control,” a sentiment shared by MPs like Kim Johnson, who criticized the PM for ignoring Mandelson’s known Epstein ties. The party’s unity is fraying fast.
Starmer’s Leadership Under Fire
Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson, despite warnings from security services and Foreign Office officials, has fueled accusations of poor judgment. His initial defense of Mandelson, followed by a swift U-turn, has left MPs and the public questioning his decisiveness. As someone who’s watched leaders navigate crises, I can say Starmer’s in a tight spot.
The Vetting Process Controversy
Reports suggest Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, pushed for Mandelson’s appointment despite concerns about his Epstein links. Number 10 denies overruling security advice, but the damage is done—MPs are demanding transparency. This reminds me of a time I saw a local council leader ignore red flags, only to face a public backlash.
A Pattern of Missteps
Mandelson’s sacking follows Rayner’s resignation over tax irregularities, painting a picture of a government stumbling out of the gate. Labour MPs call this a “shambles,” with some suggesting Starmer’s reliance on a “narrow circle” of advisors is his Achilles’ heel. The parallels to past Labour infighting are striking.
The Political Fallout: Labour’s Internal Divide
The Mandelson scandal has deepened Labour’s internal rifts, with left-wing MPs like Lewis and Johnson clashing with Starmer’s Blairite allies. The party’s “despondent” mood, as Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander admitted, reflects a broader crisis of confidence in Starmer’s vision.
Left vs. Blairites
The tension between Labour’s left and its centrist “Blairite” faction, embodied by Mandelson, is nothing new. I recall covering the Blair-Brown feuds, where similar divides weakened the party. Left-wing MPs see Mandelson’s appointment as proof Starmer prioritizes factionalism over competence.
Impact on Party Morale
MPs are openly questioning Starmer’s future, with one telling The i Paper that “it’s curtains for Keir.” The timing—days before Trump’s visit—adds pressure, as Labour struggles to project unity. Alexander’s admission of “despondent” MPs underscores the emotional toll on the party.
Comparison of Recent Labour Scandals
| Scandal | Key Figure | Issue | Outcome | Impact on Starmer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandelson Sacking | Peter Mandelson | Epstein ties | Sacked as US ambassador | Questions judgment |
| Rayner Resignation | Angela Rayner | Tax irregularities | Resigned as deputy PM | Weakened leadership |
| Cabinet Reshuffle | Multiple MPs | Poorly received changes | Morale hit, party unrest | Seen as panicky |
Which Scandal Hurts Most?
- Mandelson Sacking: Damages Starmer’s international credibility, especially with Trump’s visit looming.
- Rayner Resignation: Loss of a key ally undermines party unity and Starmer’s authority.
- Reshuffle Fallout: Alienates MPs, fueling perceptions of a leader out of touch.
The Broader Context: Starmer’s First Year
Starmer’s first year as PM has been rocky, with promises of “delivery, delivery, delivery” overshadowed by scandals. The Mandelson affair, coming after Rayner’s exit, has derailed his “Phase Two” reset, leaving MPs and voters frustrated. I’ve seen governments recover from worse, but time is short.
Challenges Facing Starmer
Starmer inherited a divided party and a post-Brexit UK facing economic and diplomatic hurdles. His focus on a UK-US trade deal, partly credited to Mandelson, was a win, but its luster has faded amid scrutiny. The pressure to deliver tangible results is immense.
Public and Political Sentiment
Posts on X reflect public anger, with users calling Starmer’s judgment “appalling” and demanding accountability. This echoes sentiments I’ve heard from constituents during local elections—voters want leaders who act decisively, not reactively. The Labour base is restless, and Starmer’s support is eroding.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Why was Peter Mandelson sacked?
Mandelson was sacked as UK ambassador to the US on September 11, 2025, after emails revealed his close ties to Jeffrey Epstein, including a 2008 message offering support during Epstein’s legal troubles. Starmer acted after mounting pressure from Labour MPs and public outrage.
Is Keir Starmer’s leadership at risk?
Yes, Starmer faces significant pressure after the Mandelson scandal and Rayner’s resignation. Labour MP Clive Lewis’s call for his resignation, combined with party unrest, suggests his leadership is on shaky ground, especially with Trump’s visit approaching.
What are Labour MPs saying about Starmer?
Labour MPs like Clive Lewis and Andy McDonald have criticized Starmer’s judgment, with Lewis saying he’s “not up to the job.” Others express “widespread revulsion” at Mandelson’s appointment, reflecting deep party divisions and frustration with Starmer’s leadership.
How does the Mandelson scandal affect UK-US relations?
Mandelson’s sacking, days before Trump’s state visit, risks straining UK-US relations. His role in securing a trade deal was significant, and his exit leaves a diplomatic gap. Reappointing a veteran like Karen Pierce could stabilize ties.
Tools and Resources for Following the Story
- News Outlets: Stay updated via BBC News or The Guardian for detailed reporting on UK politics.
- Official Statements: Check GOV.UK for government announcements on ambassadorial appointments.
- Social Media: Follow political commentators on X for real-time reactions and insights into public sentiment.
- Parliament Updates: Visit Parliament.uk for debates and urgent questions on the Mandelson affair.
Tips for Understanding Political Scandals
- Follow Primary Sources: Read official statements or leaked documents to cut through media spin.
- Track MP Reactions: MPs like Lewis and Johnson often signal broader party trends—follow their X accounts.
- Context Matters: Understand Labour’s history of factionalism to grasp why this scandal resonates.
- Look for Patterns: Starmer’s repeated defense of allies (Rayner, Mandelson) suggests a leadership style worth watching.
- Engage Locally: Talk to local Labour groups to gauge grassroots sentiment—often more candid than Westminster chatter.
Pros and Cons of Starmer’s Handling of the Crisis
- Pros:
- Acted swiftly to sack Mandelson once emails surfaced.
- Maintained a UK-US trade deal, credited partly to Mandelson.
- Retains support from some loyalists, like Douglas Alexander.
- Cons:
- Ignored initial warnings about Mandelson’s Epstein ties.
- Initial defense of Mandelson alienated MPs and public.
- Risks losing party unity amid growing rebellion.
FAQ Section
Why did Labour MPs turn on Keir Starmer?
Labour MPs, including Clive Lewis and Andy McDonald, criticized Starmer for appointing Mandelson despite known Epstein ties, calling it a failure of judgment. The sacking, after Starmer’s public support, fueled perceptions of weak leadership.
What was Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein?
Mandelson maintained a friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, even after his 2008 conviction for sex offenses. Emails showed Mandelson calling Epstein his “best pal” and offering support, prompting widespread outrage and his sacking.
Can Starmer recover from this scandal?
Recovery is possible if Starmer rebuilds trust through transparency and a strong replacement for Mandelson. However, ongoing MP unrest and public skepticism, as seen on X, make it an uphill battle.
Who might replace Mandelson as US ambassador?
Karen Pierce, a respected former ambassador, is a likely candidate, though her reappointment could signal Starmer’s error in choosing Mandelson. A quick political appointment is expected before Trump’s visit.
Where can I learn more about Labour’s internal conflicts?
Check The Independent or Daily Mail for in-depth coverage of Labour’s divisions. X posts from MPs like Kim Johnson offer real-time insights into party tensions.
Final Thoughts
The Mandelson scandal has thrust Keir Starmer into a political maelstrom, with Clive Lewis’s stinging rebuke echoing the frustrations of a restless Labour Party. As someone who’s followed politics through decades of drama, I see this as a pivotal moment for Starmer. His decision to back, then sack, Mandelson reveals a leader caught between loyalty and pragmatism—a dangerous place in Westminster’s unforgiving arena. With Trump’s visit looming and Labour MPs openly questioning his fitness to lead, Starmer must act decisively to restore trust. Whether he can weather this storm depends on his next moves. Stay tuned, and share your thoughts on how Starmer can navigate this crisis—politics is never dull.
