Call for PM Keir Starmer to resign amid Mandelson scandal

Calls Mount for Keir Starmer Resignation Amid Explosive Mandelson-Epstein Scandal

5 February 2026 – A Welsh Labour MP has openly called for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign over his handling of the Peter Mandelson scandal, as fury erupts within Labour ranks. Anger stems from Starmer’s 2024 appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, despite awareness of his ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein (d. 2019).

Growing Revolt Among Labour MPs

Dark clouds hang over Downing Street, with unnamed Labour MPs labelling the situation “dire.” One Welsh MP told BBC Wales: “Starmer has to go – do the decent thing.” Deputy PM Angela Rayner is reportedly leading a potential revolt, though critics say she’s “not the solution.”

Another Welsh MP urged Starmer to stay but sack chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, accused of poor advice. Tense Commons scenes saw Starmer admit Mandelson “lied repeatedly” about his Epstein friendship’s depth. “If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been near government,” Starmer declared.

PMQs Drama and Government Response

At Wednesday’s PMQs, Shadow Welsh Secretary Mims Davies (Conservatives) called it “jaw-dropping.” “You could hear a pin drop… Labour MPs were aghast,” she told BBC Radio Wales. Davies prioritised victims: “Who is responsible? It shows Starmer’s terrible judgement.”

Under fire, government pledged to release all Mandelson appointment documents, with sensitive files to a cross-party security committee (likely Rayner-influenced).

Mandelson’s Defence and Epstein Ties

Lord Mandelson, ex-business secretary, has not commented but reportedly claims no criminality, no financial gain, and accurate vetting responses on Epstein. Starmer knew of the “ongoing friendship” pre-appointment.

Epstein Context: Convicted sex offender; Mandelson’s links under scrutiny amid scandal fallout.

Timeline of the Scandal

2024: Starmer appoints Mandelson US ambassador.
Recent: Revelations on Epstein lies emerge.
Feb 2026: PMQs admissions; resignation calls.

Political Fallout and Broader Implications

Labour Split: Revolt risks amid Welsh Senedd election (Feb debate in Aberystwyth).
Tories Attack: “Terrible judgement” narrative.
Victim Focus: Calls to centre survivors.

BBC analysis (Chris Mason): Starmer “can ill afford more days like these.”

What’s Next?