Keir Starmer could resign - Bloomberg
Keir Starmer (photo: Getty Images)
Discussions are intensifying within the United Kingdom’s ruling party about a possible leadership change amid a high-profile diplomatic scandal and an internal governance crisis, Bloomberg reports.
Read also: Starmer scandal raises fears Ukraine could lose top partner
Scandal over ambassador appointment
The UK Labour Party is reportedly debating the potential early resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The controversy stems from the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, despite his past connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
According to Bloomberg, party insiders believe that this move has dealt a serious blow to the government’s reputation and triggered a deepening political crisis.
Resignation of a key adviser
The situation was further complicated by the resignation of Morgan McSweeney as the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff. He stated that he takes full responsibility for recommending Mandelson’s appointment, though party sources note that the final decision was made at the level of the Prime Minister.
The loss of one of the main architects of the Labour Party’s 2024 election victory has significantly weakened the Prime Minister’s standing within the cabinet.
Pressure from within the party
According to sources, cabinet ministers are preparing to privately demand that the Prime Minister step aside voluntarily or face threats of their own resignations.
The Labour Party is also discussing a possible government reshuffle that would bring in the left wing, though not all insiders consider this scenario realistic.
With snap and local elections approaching — where the party risks losing seats — the leader’s position appears particularly vulnerable.
Risks in the coming weeks
Tensions are further heightened by upcoming elections and pressure from the opposition, which directly blames the Prime Minister for the scandal.
Within the party, potential successors are already being discussed, and the publication of documents reviewing Mandelson’s appointment could further complicate matters.
According to Bloomberg sources, the coming week could be decisive for the Prime Minister's future.
For context, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has renewed efforts to involve the country in the European Defense Fund (EDF) SAFE, returning to an initiative that failed to gain support in negotiations last year and reached an impasse.
Starmer has also signaled a strategy to resume and strengthen relations with China, emphasizing Beijing’s key role in the UK economy.
