Newscast The Week: When Keir Starmer Sacked Peter Mandelson
Sep 12, 2025
In this discussion, Patrick Maguire, Chief Political Commentator at The Times, and Sienna Rodgers, Deputy Editor at The House Magazine, analyze the turbulent week for Keir Starmer. They delve into the sacking of Peter Mandelson as ambassador amidst scandals tying him to Jeffrey Epstein. The pair discuss how these controversies affect the Labour Party's identity and leadership dynamics. They also explore the implications of these events on public trust and the challenges Starmer faces as his party navigates political turmoil.
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Labour's Lack Of Coherent Identity
- Patrick Maguire argues Labour lacks ideological coherence and borrows from many traditions without choosing one.
- That vagueness leaves the government directionless and vulnerable to scandals.
Mandelson Symbolises Deeper Policy Failure
- Patrick says Mandelson represented long-term policy remaking under New Labour, not just spin.
- Starmer's team never executed that deep policy-from-first-principles project, leaving a tactical government.
McSweeney's Link To Mandelson
- Patrick recounts that Morgan McSweeney and Peter Mandelson were politically close and influential.
- That link explains why focus swiftly shifted to McSweeney after Mandelson's appointment.