Starmer's Government in Crisis as Mandelson Sacking Exposes Political Misjudgement

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's government is in a state of growing disarray, with the sensational sacking of US Ambassador Peter Mandelson over his ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein marking the latest in a series of damaging events that have called into question the Prime Minister's judgement and authority. The move, which came just hours after Starmer publicly defended the peer, has been widely condemned as a "shambles" by Labour MPs and political opponents alike, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

The scandal erupted after a series of previously undisclosed emails revealed the "depth and extent" of Lord Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, including correspondence from 2008 in which he urged the financier to fight for an early release from jail. This new information directly contradicted the government's previous claims and intensified pressure on Starmer, who had already been facing questions about the appointment.

Reports suggest that Lord Mandelson admitted to continuing his relationship with Epstein for many years during his vetting interview for the US ambassador role. Security services had also allegedly raised concerns about his appointment, which were reportedly overruled by Starmer or his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. This has led to accusations of "terrible judgement" from the leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, who has demanded that all documents related to Mandelson's appointment be immediately released.

Mandelson, in his resignation letter, expressed "deep regret" about the circumstances and stated he feels "utterly awful" about his association with Epstein. However, allies of the former ambassador have indicated he feels ill-treated by the Prime Minister, given his full disclosure during the vetting process. The lobbying firm co-founded by Mandelson, Global Counsel, is also reportedly cutting ties with him to mitigate reputational risk.

A Government Plagued by Resignations and Political Failures-The Mandelson scandal is not an isolated incident but the latest in a string of crises for the Starmer government since taking office. Just last week, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner was forced to resign over a breach of the ministerial code related to her tax arrangements on a property purchase. Her departure has triggered a bruising internal party contest for the deputy leadership, which has become a two-way race between Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell.

Other notable resignations include those of homelessness minister Rushanara Ali, who resigned in August after it was revealed she evicted tenants from a property she owned before re-letting it at a significantly higher rent, and Treasury and anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq, who resigned in January over media scrutiny of her family's financial affairs and links to her aunt, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who is the subject of a corruption probe. Additionally, other ministers who have left the government include Lucy Powell (sacked as Commons leader), Ian Murray (removed as Scottish secretary), and Louise Haigh (who resigned as Transport Secretary).

These internal issues are compounded by a broader sense of public disillusionment. Polling data paints a stark picture of the government's struggles. A pan-European survey conducted in late August by YouGov found that only 22% of British people hold a favourable opinion of Starmer, giving him a net approval rating of -47%. This is one of the lowest approval ratings among any Western leader.

Furthermore, a YouGov poll for Sky News in late August placed Labour's vote share at 20%, just three points ahead of the Conservatives on 17%, and trailing behind Nigel Farage's Reform UK, which led with 28%. Since the general election in July 2024, Labour's polling has dropped by 14.2 points, the worst decline for any governing party in its first year since 1983. A significant portion of Starmer's 2024 voters are defecting, with 13% moving to the Liberal Democrats and 10% to the Green Party, indicating a broader collapse of support across the left.

As the government grapples with its latest crisis, the future looks increasingly uncertain. Starmer's administration, which came to power with a mandate for "national renewal," is now battling accusations of dither and a lack of vision. With a state visit from Donald Trump looming and a seemingly endless string of self-inflicted wounds, questions are mounting over whether Starmer has the political skills and authority to navigate his party and the country through the stormy waters ahead.