Buckling under no pressure, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vows to stay the course despite the Mandelson-Epstein firestorm engulfing his administration. Aides paint a picture of a resolute leader steering through crisis.
‘Remains entirely focused on effecting change throughout the UK,’ his spokesperson asserted to journalists, timing it hours post-resignations from his chief of staff and comms chief—moves rippling through Westminster.
At the scandal’s heart: Starmer appointing Peter Mandelson US ambassador, fully aware of his Epstein connections after the financier’s 2008 sex crime conviction. With 19 months as PM, Labour’s boss now battles fierce opposition attacks.
BBC notes Starmer’s buoyant demeanor post-morning staff talk, ‘happy and confident.’ Spokesman quashed exit speculation: ‘Not the vibe from today’s address.’ Reiterated focus: ‘Determined to see through his mission.’
Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney, Labour’s 2024 win strategist, bailed Sunday. His note deemed Mandelson’s nod ‘a mistake’ inflicting ‘deep harm’ on party, country, politics; he claimed full advisory accountability.
Foreign Office probes Mandelson’s payoff, post-Starmer’s September ouster over Epstein. Starmer banks on ‘unanimous Cabinet support,’ per team.
As resignations pile and reviews loom, Starmer’s test of mettle looms large. His backers bet on rebound; detractors see vulnerability exposed.