UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he will “never walk away” from the country or the electoral mandate given to his government, amid mounting political pressure within and beyond the Labour Party. The pressure follows a series of political controversies that have raised questions over leadership judgement and policy direction.
The current scandal centres on the Peter Mandelson–Jeffrey Epstein controversy, which has placed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer under political pressure after Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the United States despite past associations with Epstein. Mandelson denies wrongdoing but was later dismissed, prompting criticism over vetting standards and triggering senior staff resignations.
The Labour government has also faced accusations of repeated policy U-turns, including revisions to welfare reforms, winter fuel payments, workers’ rights measures, and digital ID proposals. Critics have questioned policy consistency, while ministers describe the changes as pragmatic responses to economic pressures.
Speaking at a cost of living event in Hertfordshire on Tuesday (10 February), Starmer stressed his government’s focus on economic challenges and international uncertainty, while thanking his cabinet for what he described as “strong and united” backing.
Political tensions escalated after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for Starmer to resign, although several senior Labour figures publicly supported the prime minister.
Starmer maintains Mandelson misled officials, apologising to victims and ordering a review. Critics, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, argue his judgement has undermined government stability.
ℹ️ Sky News
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