Scottish Labour Leader May Ask Keir Starmer To Quit

Keir Starmer is facing calls to resign. Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, is expected to publicly ask him to step down. This is happening after two important people on Starmer's team left their jobs. The problem started with the choice to make Lord Mandelson an ambassador, because of his past with Jeffrey Epstein.
By Newsroom | Politics, United Kingdom |

Stakes Rise for Prime Minister as Key Aide Departs and Scottish Wing Demands Change

The political landscape for Prime Minister Keir Starmer has become increasingly turbulent. Reports indicate that Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, is expected to publicly call for Starmer to step down. This development comes shortly after the resignations of two senior aides within Starmer's inner circle: Morgan McSweeney, his Chief of Staff, and Tim Allan, his Director of Communications. The pressure appears to be a culmination of fallout from the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, a move complicated by Mandelson's past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The situation raises significant questions about Starmer's leadership and the Labour party's prospects heading into upcoming elections.

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Timeline of Events and Key Actors

The recent challenges to Keir Starmer's leadership can be traced through several key events:

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  • Recent Days: Private discussions among senior Scottish Labour figures suggest an improved chance of success in the upcoming May elections if Starmer were to leave office.

  • Sunday: Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's Chief of Staff, resigns. Reports suggest this followed a conversation with Starmer and a week of scrutiny over his past support for Lord Mandelson's ambassadorship.

  • Monday Morning: Tim Allan, Starmer's Director of Communications, announces his departure. He was Starmer's fourth communications director since becoming Prime Minister.

  • Monday: No. 10 states Starmer will not be resigning and is "positive, confident and determined."

  • This Week: Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, is expected to hold a news conference to state his position on Starmer's leadership. Reports suggest he will call for Starmer to resign.

  • Recent Past: Keir Starmer issued an apology regarding the Lord Mandelson appointment, acknowledging he should not have been considered due to his links with Jeffrey Epstein, even after Epstein's conviction. Starmer stated he regretted the decision and had believed Mandelson's assurances.

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Key Individuals:

  • Keir Starmer: Prime Minister, facing intense pressure on his leadership.

  • Anas Sarwar: Leader of Scottish Labour, reportedly set to call for Starmer's resignation.

  • Morgan McSweeney: Former Chief of Staff to Starmer, resigned amid fallout.

  • Tim Allan: Former Director of Communications to Starmer, resigned.

  • Lord Mandelson: Appointed US ambassador, his past association with Jeffrey Epstein is central to the current crisis.

  • Jeffrey Epstein: Convicted sex offender whose association with Lord Mandelson has triggered the political fallout.

Evidence of Growing Pressure

Multiple sources indicate a significant increase in pressure on Keir Starmer's leadership:

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  • Anas Sarwar's Imminent Call for Resignation: Several reports (Article 1, 3, 8, 9, 10, 16) state that Anas Sarwar is expected to publicly demand Starmer's resignation. This move by a prominent party leader is a serious indicator of internal dissent.

  • Resignations of Key Aides: The departures of Morgan McSweeney and Tim Allan (Article 2, 3, 5, 6, 12, 13, 17, 18) signal internal turmoil and a potential loss of confidence at the highest levels of Starmer's team. McSweeney's role as Chief of Staff was particularly significant, suggesting a deep impact of the ongoing controversies.

  • Internal Party Dissent: Beyond Sarwar, other Labour figures have voiced concerns. One MP, Lewis, publicly called for Starmer's resignation, stating the situation is like "checkmate" (Article 8). Another figure, John McTernan, a former spin doctor, has suggested stepping down to allow for a leadership challenge (Article 8). Union leaders have also expressed concern about the party's prospects (Article 6).

  • Liberal Democrats' Stance: The Liberal Democrats have suggested Starmer should call a vote of confidence and step aside if he loses, arguing the public needs a leader focused on issues like the cost of living and the NHS (Article 4).

  • Public Perception: Reports describe Starmer as "vulnerable," "embattled," and "battling for survival" (Article 6, 7, 10). His recent apology for the Mandelson appointment is framed as a move to "resuscitate" a "flailing premiership" (Article 7).

The Mandelson-Epstein Connection: A Catalyst

The appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador has served as a focal point for the current crisis. The core of the issue appears to be Mandelson's continued association with Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein's conviction for sex offenses.

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  • Starmer's Apology: Keir Starmer has apologized for appointing Mandelson, admitting he "blundered" and that Mandelson had "lied" about his continued relationship with Epstein (Article 7, 11, 14).

  • Allegations of Prior Knowledge: Evidence suggests Starmer was aware of Mandelson's continued friendship with Epstein and his visits to Epstein's properties (Article 15).

  • McSweeney's Role: Morgan McSweeney, in his former role, reportedly advised Starmer to appoint Mandelson (Article 12). His resignation has intensified scrutiny on Starmer's final decision-making.

Scottish Labour's Strategic Concerns

For Scottish Labour, the leadership of Keir Starmer is viewed as a direct impediment to their electoral success.

  • Impact on May Elections: Senior figures in the Scottish party believe their chances in the May elections would improve with a change in leadership (Article 1, 9). Some reports suggest Scottish Labour has fallen from favour due to Starmer's "shambolic reign" (Article 10).

  • Momentum for Change: Allies of Anas Sarwar believe he should push for Starmer's departure, anticipating wider electoral benefits and the potential to destabilize the current leadership (Article 9). Sarwar is seen as having a "strong hand" to make a public statement (Article 10).

  • Threat to Holyrood Election: There is a contention that Starmer's continued leadership could lead to John Swinney winning the Holyrood Election, indicating a significant threat to Labour's political standing in Scotland (Article 10).

Downing Street's Position: Defiance Amidst Crisis

Despite the mounting pressure and internal dissent, Keir Starmer's office has publicly stated he will not be resigning.

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  • Official Statements: No. 10 has repeatedly confirmed that Starmer will not be stepping down. They describe him as "positive, confident and determined" and "getting on with the job of delivering change" (Article 2, 5).

  • Focus on Governance: The Prime Minister's team emphasizes his focus on issues such as getting young people into work, as highlighted by National Apprenticeship Week (Article 3).

  • Assertion of Control: While acknowledging McSweeney's resignation, No. 10 has previously expressed "full confidence" in him (Article 14), suggesting a strategy of weathering the storm rather than immediate capitulation.

Analysis of Leadership Vulnerability

The current situation presents Keir Starmer with a significant challenge to his authority and credibility.

  • Damaged Credibility: The Mandelson affair has been described as damaging Starmer "beyond repair" politically (Article 11). His apology has been met with skepticism, framed as a necessary move for a leader perceived as "weak, evasive and implausible" (Article 7, 11).

  • Electoral Consequences: The Labour party faces the prospect of significant electoral defeats, with some suggesting the current situation has bought Starmer only "a little more time" before his departure is inevitable (Article 6).

  • Loss of Key Advisors: The resignations of McSweeney and Allan leave Starmer "dangerously exposed," particularly as he heads towards crucial by-elections and the general election (Article 13). His reliance on McSweeney's judgment further highlights the void left by his departure (Article 13).

Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for Starmer

The political future of Keir Starmer appears to be at a critical juncture. The impending public call for his resignation from Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, coupled with the recent departures of key aides Morgan McSweeney and Tim Allan, signifies a substantial internal challenge. The controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, linked to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, has acted as a catalyst, exposing perceived weaknesses in Starmer's decision-making and leadership.

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While No. 10 asserts Starmer's determination to remain in office and focus on governance, the evidence suggests a significant erosion of confidence within the party. The strategic concerns raised by Scottish Labour, linking Starmer's leadership directly to diminished electoral prospects, highlight the divisive nature of the current crisis. The coming days are likely to be pivotal in determining whether Starmer can navigate this intense pressure or if the calls for his resignation will culminate in his departure from the leadership.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Anas Sarwar asking Keir Starmer to resign?
It is reported that Sarwar will ask Starmer to step down because of pressure after two of Starmer's top helpers left.
Q: Who is Lord Mandelson and why is he important?
Lord Mandelson was chosen to be an ambassador. His past connection with Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex crimes, has caused problems.
Q: Did Keir Starmer know about Lord Mandelson's past?
Starmer has said he is sorry for the choice and that Mandelson did not tell him everything. But some reports say Starmer knew more.
Q: What does Keir Starmer's office say?
Downing Street says Keir Starmer will not resign. They say he is confident and focused on his work.