Politics Weekly UK The Mandelson Scandal: has Starmer finally lost control? – Politics Weekly
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Feb 5, 2026 A scandal over links to Jeffrey Epstein and a leader's awkward apology dominate the conversation. Tensions inside the party and questions about judgement and control get aired. Local by-election mood offers a snapshot of voter anger, regeneration doubts, and the threat from Reform and Green candidates.
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Starmer's Public Apology And Stakes
- Keir Starmer publicly apologised for believing Mandelson's lies and appointed him despite earlier warnings.
- The apology aimed to protect Starmer's reputation for probity amid damaging revelations about Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein.
Recasting Mandelson To Protect Image
- Starmer framed Mandelson as motivated by wrong reasons to distance him from Labour's recent success.
- The move sought to bolster Starmer's clean-image narrative by recasting Mandelson's whole career as suspect.
Personal Contradiction Amplifies Risk
- Starmer appears viscerally upset because he appointed Mandelson against his better judgment.
- That internal contradiction makes the scandal personally risky for Starmer's leadership.