What's happened
As of February 17, 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer remains in office despite intense pressure following the resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who took full responsibility for advising the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US. Mandelson, linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is under police investigation for alleged misconduct, shaking Starmer's government and raising questions about his leadership.
What's behind the headline?
Political Fallout and Leadership Stability
The Mandelson-Epstein scandal has exposed deep vulnerabilities in Keir Starmer's premiership, highlighting lapses in vetting and judgment at the highest levels of government. The resignation of Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's chief of staff and key political architect, underscores the severity of the crisis and the internal acknowledgment of missteps.
Party Dynamics and Public Confidence
Despite calls for Starmer's resignation, including from senior figures like Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, the party has largely rallied behind him, with prominent Labour members such as Angela Rayner and Eluned Morgan expressing support. However, the defection of Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who distanced himself from Starmer over the appointment, signals fractures within the cabinet.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Mandelson faces a police investigation for alleged misconduct in public office, including accusations of leaking confidential information to Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis. This legal scrutiny adds a layer of complexity to the political crisis, potentially prolonging uncertainty and damaging public trust.
Electoral Consequences and Future Prospects
Labour's declining poll numbers, trailing the hard-right Reform UK party, combined with upcoming by-elections and local elections, place additional pressure on Starmer. The absence of a clear successor and the party's internal rules make a leadership challenge difficult but not impossible. Starmer's ability to navigate this crisis will determine his political survival and Labour's future trajectory.
Broader Implications
This scandal reflects broader challenges in UK politics regarding transparency, accountability, and the handling of sensitive diplomatic appointments. It also raises questions about the influence of controversial figures like Epstein on political elites and the mechanisms for safeguarding national interests.
What the papers say
The New Arab provides a detailed account of the political drama, noting Starmer's vow to remain in office despite calls for resignation, and highlighting the coordinated support from senior Labour figures like Angela Rayner and Eluned Morgan. It emphasizes the internal party tensions and the impact of Mandelson's appointment on Starmer's credibility.
AP News offers a comprehensive overview of the scandal's legal dimensions, detailing the police investigation into Mandelson for alleged misconduct and the release of documents suggesting he leaked sensitive information to Epstein. It also covers McSweeney's resignation and the political ramifications within Labour.
The Guardian reports on the resignation of Tim Allan, Starmer's communications director, framing it as another blow amid the ongoing crisis. It underscores the instability within Starmer's team and the challenges in managing the fallout.
The Times of Israel and France 24 focus on McSweeney's resignation statement, his role in Starmer's election victory, and the review of Mandelson's severance payment. They also highlight cabinet minister Pat McFadden's defense of Starmer and the distancing by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
The Mirror and Al Jazeera provide insights into the personnel changes following McSweeney's departure, detailing the appointments of his deputies and the broader impact on government operations. They also include Starmer's public apology to Epstein's victims, adding a human dimension to the political crisis.
Together, these sources paint a multifaceted picture of a government grappling with scandal, internal dissent, and legal scrutiny, with Starmer's leadership hanging in the balance.
How we got here
In 2024, Starmer appointed Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US despite Mandelson's known ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Revelations from US Justice Department documents in early 2026 exposed Mandelson's continued relationship with Epstein and alleged leaking of sensitive government information, triggering a police investigation and political fallout that has destabilized Starmer's administration.
Go deeper
- What led to Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment?
- How is the Labour Party responding to the scandal?
- What are the legal implications for Mandelson and Starmer?
More on these topics
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Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson PC is a British Labour politician, president of international think tank Policy Network, honorary president of the Great Britain–China Centre, and chairman of strategic advisory firm Global Counsel.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.
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Morgan James McSweeney (born 19 April 1977) is an Irish political strategist for the British Labour Party. He served as Downing Street Chief of Staff under Prime Minister Keir Starmer from October 2024 until his resignation in February 2026. A close colle
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Patrick Bosco McFadden is a British politician who has been Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton South East since 2005. A member of the Labour Party, he was briefly Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in 2010 and Shadow Ministe
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David Lindon Lammy PC FRSA is a British Labour Party politician serving as Member of Parliament for Tottenham since 2000, and has served as Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor in Keir Starmer's Shadow Cabinet since 2020.
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Angela Rayner is a British politician serving as Shadow First Secretary of State since 2020, and has been Member of Parliament for Ashton-under-Lyne since 2015.