Keir Starmer's government plunged into serious political crisis. And it's all because of Epstein again
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has found himself in the most serious crisis of his year and a half in office and could lose his position. Even ministers and close allies are talking about his possible resignation. The cause of the crisis is the prolonged scandal surrounding the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson, who had connections with Jeffrey Epstein, as ambassador to the USA, writes the BBC Russian service.
Keir Starmer. Photo: AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali
Recently, Starmer's chief aide, Morgan McSweeney, and head of communications, Tim Allan, resigned. This sparked discussions about whether Starmer would remain in office. While he has stated he does not intend to resign, pressure within the party is growing.
Peter Mandelson, known as the "Prince of Darkness" for his backroom intrigues, had extensive connections in politics for many years. He served as ambassador to the USA for less than a year, but during his tenure, it emerged that he had close relations with Jeffrey Epstein: constant contacts, financial transfers, and even dubious personal relationships. This led to Mandelson's resignation from the party and the House of Lords, as well as a criminal investigation.
Starmer admitted that if he had known everything earlier, he would not have appointed Mandelson. But many argue that the appointment occurred due to Mandelson's personal connections with Starmer's influential advisors, especially McSweeney. Starmer himself was distant from Mandelson and did not have close relations with him.
The scandal severely damaged the Labour Party's reputation, showing that old political habits – cronyism and a closed culture – still persist in British politics. Therefore, even if Starmer remains in office, this incident will significantly affect his personnel policy.
If Keir Starmer does resign, several politicians could take his place, though much will depend on the behind-the-scenes maneuvering in parliament.
Angela Rayner is considered the main candidate according to bookmakers, with a 30% chance. She previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Housing Policy, but she resigned due to a tax scandal.
Also among the candidates is Ed Miliband — the current Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and former Labour leader (chances around 14%). He is known for previously denying Mandelson a position in the "shadow cabinet" and resisting his influence.
Another possible contender is Wes Streeting — the Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who is considered a strong "technocratic" leader.
But there is even a very unlikely option (7%) that, under certain circumstances, a representative of the right-wing populist wing, Nigel Farage (Reform UK party), could become Prime Minister.
Comments
Samy lepšy vychad z situacyi - heta pašychtavać usiu śvitu ŭ karaleŭskim pałacy i dać takuju kamandu: "usie, chto zamiešany ŭ błudnictvie, dva kroki napierad, pam-pam!".
I ŭsio, i prablema vyrašana, i niama čaho ciahnuć kata za ja...chvost. Nu, praŭda, kolki možna, zadaŭbali musolić. Niama čym plebsu vušy zahruzić ?
Подозревают что речь про 14-ю дочь