Labour Leader Keir Starmer Faces Pressure Amid Scandals

Mon Feb 09 2026 22:44:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer finds himself under increasing pressure to maintain his leadership after the resignation of his chief of staff and rising discontent within the Labour Party over recent scandals.

Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, is struggling to keep his position after losing his chief of staff amid growing criticism over his relationship with former ambassador Peter Mandelson and controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer plans to address Labour lawmakers in a closed-door meeting to rebuild trust as critics label his leadership as 'untenable'. The party's declining approval ratings have added to the pressure, leading to discussions of a possible leadership challenge.

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing intense scrutiny as he seeks to persuade Labour lawmakers to retain him as leader following the resignation of his chief of staff. As Starmer grapples with dwindling support, the spotlight intensifies on his controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson, who has faced criticism over his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

After Mandelson was dismissed due to allegations regarding his friendship with Epstein, Starmer has been forced to address the fallout of this political storm head-on. Starmer plans to convene Labour lawmakers behind closed doors to restore his shaken authority. Critics argue he should have anticipated the backlash from placing Mandelson in a prominent diplomatic role, especially given the latter's checkered past.

This political turmoil has led to suggestions of leadership challenges and re-evaluations within the party. Starmer’s opponents, including Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, argue that his position is increasingly untenable as Labour's popularity continues to lag behind the right-wing Reform UK party in opinion polls.

Starmer, who rose to power with promises of reform and transparency, now finds himself criticized for mismanagement and poor decisions. Amid discontent and a potential investigation into Mandelson's misconduct, Labour officials are questioning the future direction of their party and its leader.