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After Epstein fallout, UK leader Starmer faces hurdles and rivals as he battles to keep his job

Starmer's leadership is questioned after admitting awareness of Mandelson's Epstein ties amid ongoing political challenges causing party divisions, say multiple Labour MPs.

  • Yesterday's PMQs revealed that Keir Starmer admitted he was aware Peter Mandelson's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein continued, leaving him exposed to criticism from Labour MPs.
  • Mounting damaging decisions—including winter fuel payment cuts, the 'island of strangers' speech, welfare bill, and Mandelson's appointment—have eroded Starmer’s political standing and created vulnerability.
  • The Mandelson affair spans UK asset sales, bankers' bonuses, coalition negotiations and Russian visas, while Labour's soft left resists any coronation for Wes Streeting.
  • With no consensus successor, John Hutton told Andrew Marr yesterday that `this government is in serious trouble, and someone needs to rescue it from the malaise it's in`, and potential replacements face barriers.
  • Given public opposition beyond No 10's usual critics, Starmer, now estranged from many past supporters, risks ongoing instability as Angela Rayner again forces No 10 to swerve, a potentially fatal scenario.
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Associated Press NewsAssociated Press News
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After Epstein fallout, UK leader Starmer faces hurdles and rivals as he battles to keep his job

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a battle to stay in post in the wake of the fallout of his decision in 2024 to appoint veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson as the U.K. ambassador to the U.S. despite his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

·United States
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  • 47% of the sources lean Left
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The Economist broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
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