Starmer under pressure over Mandelson's Epstein links

British Work and Pensions Minister Pat McFadden faced questions on Sunday about the future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Starmer is facing what is widely seen as the biggest crisis of his 18 months in power, over the decision to make Peter Mandelson Britain's ambassador to Washington in 2024, while a small number of his own MPs are openly questioning his judgment and future.

New evidence about Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein came to light last week, reopening an old wound for Starmer and the Labour Party, as the extent of Mandelson's ties to the late sex abuser was revealed, as well as the suspicion that he had provided Epstein with confidential government information.

Pat McFadden admitted on Sunday that there was a possibility that Starmer would not continue in this role.

"If the prime minister stays there, I don't think it would make any difference at all," McFadden told the BBC.

The Telegraph newspaper, citing friends of Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, reported on Sunday that Lammy, who was Foreign Secretary at the time of Mandelson's appointment, had warned Starmer against his nomination.

Meanwhile, asked if Starmer's leadership was seriously at risk, McFadden said the Labour Party should support Starmer, as it is not good for the country to have a new prime minister every 18 months to two years.

"I understand this has been a week of very bad headlines," he stated.

In addition to Lammy, Angela Rayner, his predecessor as deputy prime minister, has also told friends that she had warned Starmer not to give Mandelson the post, according to The Times newspaper.

Starmer sacked Mandelson last September over his links to Epstein.

Mandelson is currently under police investigation for alleged misconduct in office.