Key Highlights
- Sir Keir Starmer faces increasing pressure as Labour MPs question his leadership.
- The prime minister’s apology over Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson appointments highlights the gravity of the situation.
- Labor MPs are deeply divided, with some calling for Starmer to stand down immediately.
- Starmer resists calls to sack Chief of Staff despite mounting pressure.
The Gravity of the Situation
Sir Keir Starmer stands at a crossroads. The prime minister’s recent apology over the appointment of Peter Mandelson and his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein has thrust him into an even more serious situation than anticipated. Everything about this moment feels weighty, and it would have been jarring if Starmer had stuck to his original speech on local regeneration.
Instead, he delivered a somber apology, which was not just about the Mandelson-Epstein scandal but also reflected a deeper understanding of the anger and frustration among Labour MPs. This acknowledgment is crucial because these MPs hold the key to Starmer’s fate.
A Divided House
Labour MP Rachael Maskell has made her stance clear: she believes Starmer’s position as prime minister is untenable, a statement that echoes the sentiment of many disenchanted MPs. “I don’t believe he’s got a choice,” she told BBC Radio York, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Yet, not all Labour MPs share this view. A handful are calling for immediate action, but their voices remain relatively quiet in public forums. This silence is telling and suggests that while Starmer’s position has weakened considerably, a full-scale challenge to his leadership may still be some time away.
Awaiting the Gorton By-Election
The timeline is uncertain, with many experts pointing towards February 26 as the next significant moment. The Gorton and Denton by-election could prove pivotal in shaping the political landscape. However, even if Starmer were to fall after this election, there’s a concern that his defeat might come too close to May when Scottish and Welsh elections are scheduled.
Resistance from Within
Starmer has so far resisted calls from Labour MPs to sack Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney. This resistance shows the prime minister’s determination to hold on to key allies amidst the mounting pressure. However, the question remains: can he recover from this utter lapse in judgment?
One former minister voiced a bleak outlook: “I still think it is very unlikely anybody moves before May.
But it is all moving very fast.” Another current minister was more direct: “He’s done. It’s just a question of when.”
The writing on the wall for Starmer is clear, but whether he can weather this storm remains to be seen. The coming months will undoubtedly be challenging for him and his team.
