Internal divisions are deepening within Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party regarding his decision to appoint diplomat Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US in 2025. Mandelson's tenure ended abruptly in 9/2025, after seven months, when his relationship with pedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein was revealed in documents released by the US Department of Justice.

The crisis within the Labour Party escalated last week when nearly 3 million documents from the Epstein files were further disclosed by the US Department of Justice. These documents indicate that Mandelson also transferred classified UK government information to Epstein following the 2007 financial crisis. The files include bank statements that appear to show Epstein transferring money to Mandelson years prior.

Epstein was arrested and died by suicide in prison in 2019, while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking and sexual abuse of minors. Ghislaine Maxwell, the pedophile billionaire's accomplice, is currently serving a prison sentence in the US. The released Epstein files show that the billionaire had connections with a range of celebrities and powerful politicians in many countries.

An individual's appearance in the recently released files does not mean they participated in Epstein's illegal activities. Nevertheless, the documents have shocked the public by revealing Epstein's vast network of influence and the identities of many powerful individuals who had previously denied any association with the billionaire.

Anas Sarwar, leader of the Labour Party in Scotland, publicly called for Prime Minister Starmer's resignation on 9/2. He argued that Starmer's government has made too many mistakes in less than two years since the party returned to power. Sarwar values his genuine friendship with Prime Minister Starmer but emphasized that his top priority is the people of Scotland.

"The distraction must end, and leadership at Downing Street needs to change," Sarwar stated.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to Cornwall in 2/2025. Photo: Reuters

This statement marks a significant shift in Sarwar's stance, as he had previously said days earlier that Prime Minister Starmer should remain in office. When asked what prompted his change of mind, Sarwar commented that "the issue has now broadened." He criticized the current leader for repeatedly making inaccurate statements and errors, causing the government to be distracted from its governing role.

Over the past two days, the senior team at Downing Street has been in disarray. Chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned, stating he "takes full responsibility" for recommending Prime Minister Starmer appoint Mandelson as US special envoy in 2024. The latest senior aide to depart is communications director Tim Allan.

UK media also reported that Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald is negotiating his departure from the government after approximately 14 months in his role. This move is described as part of a rebuilding plan at the top levels of government.

However, Prime Minister Starmer continued to reject calls for his resignation on 9/2, asserting that he is "not ready to give up" despite criticism from party allies.

"Having fought hard for the opportunity to change the country, I am not ready to abandon my mission and responsibility," Starmer said during a regular meeting of Labour members of parliament on 9/2, urging the party to give him more time to turn the situation around.

Some attendees at the meeting revealed that the Labour Party's internal sentiment generally remains strongly supportive of Starmer, even though some members of parliament questioned the Prime Minister intensely. Another source suggested that a leadership challenge within the Labour Party is unlikely in the near future, as the atmosphere at the meeting indicated "a stronghold of support" for the Prime Minister.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that Starmer will attend the Munich Security Conference this weekend. She noted that many allies want to emphasize his crucial role "not only in the UK but also on the global political stage."

Thanh Danh (According to BBC, Guardian, DW)