Starmer Vows to Stay in Office as UK Government Faces Turmoil After Epstein Fallout
British prime minister defends his leadership amid a deepening political crisis triggered by the Mandelson–Epstein controversy and senior resignations
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphatically rejected growing calls to resign, asserting he will remain in office and continue leading his government despite an intense political storm linked to the fallout from revelations about his former ambassador’s ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
In a decisive address to his parliamentary colleagues, Starmer acknowledged errors around the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States but said he was “not prepared to walk away” from his mandate or responsibilities to the country.
The controversy began with the release of millions of documents by the United States Justice Department detailing the extent of Mandelson’s long-standing connection to Epstein and allegations that he shared sensitive government information with the convicted sex offender while serving in the British Cabinet.
Mandelson was dismissed from his ambassadorial role in 2025 and has since resigned from the House of Lords amid an ongoing police investigation into potential misconduct in public office.
Starmer has said he was misled by Mandelson about the depth of his relationship with Epstein and has apologised to the British public and to victims of Epstein’s crimes.
Pressure on the prime minister has mounted sharply in recent days, with several senior aides departing Downing Street.
Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, resigned after taking responsibility for advising the appointment of Mandelson, and Tim Allan, director of communications, also left the government.
Figures within Starmer’s own Labour Party, including the Scottish Labour leader, have publicly urged him to step aside, arguing that leadership change is needed to refocus on core policy priorities.
Opposition parties have also criticised Starmer’s judgment and called for a fresh start.
Despite these challenges, key members of Starmer’s Cabinet and prominent Labour figures have rallied around him, underscoring his achievements in office and stressing the importance of unity as the party navigates the crisis.
Supporters have highlighted Starmer’s legislative agenda and his government’s broader economic and social policy record, insisting that stability at the top is essential for effective governance.
The prime minister has promised to publish vetted appointment documents to bolster transparency and pledged to improve internal communication and vetting processes within his administration.
The unfolding saga has tested Starmer’s leadership at a critical moment for Britain’s centre-left government, with political analysts suggesting that the coming weeks will be decisive in determining his political future.
In a decisive address to his parliamentary colleagues, Starmer acknowledged errors around the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States but said he was “not prepared to walk away” from his mandate or responsibilities to the country.
The controversy began with the release of millions of documents by the United States Justice Department detailing the extent of Mandelson’s long-standing connection to Epstein and allegations that he shared sensitive government information with the convicted sex offender while serving in the British Cabinet.
Mandelson was dismissed from his ambassadorial role in 2025 and has since resigned from the House of Lords amid an ongoing police investigation into potential misconduct in public office.
Starmer has said he was misled by Mandelson about the depth of his relationship with Epstein and has apologised to the British public and to victims of Epstein’s crimes.
Pressure on the prime minister has mounted sharply in recent days, with several senior aides departing Downing Street.
Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, resigned after taking responsibility for advising the appointment of Mandelson, and Tim Allan, director of communications, also left the government.
Figures within Starmer’s own Labour Party, including the Scottish Labour leader, have publicly urged him to step aside, arguing that leadership change is needed to refocus on core policy priorities.
Opposition parties have also criticised Starmer’s judgment and called for a fresh start.
Despite these challenges, key members of Starmer’s Cabinet and prominent Labour figures have rallied around him, underscoring his achievements in office and stressing the importance of unity as the party navigates the crisis.
Supporters have highlighted Starmer’s legislative agenda and his government’s broader economic and social policy record, insisting that stability at the top is essential for effective governance.
The prime minister has promised to publish vetted appointment documents to bolster transparency and pledged to improve internal communication and vetting processes within his administration.
The unfolding saga has tested Starmer’s leadership at a critical moment for Britain’s centre-left government, with political analysts suggesting that the coming weeks will be decisive in determining his political future.
