Discontent over UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to appoint Peter Mandelson – a friend of Jeffrey Epstein – as U.S. ambassador has members of the Labour Party contemplating a change of leader.
The controversy erupted after files released 10 days ago revealed the depth of Mandelson’s ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The disclosures have raised serious questions about Starmer’s judgement, while opinion polls suggest the prime minister’s popularity has fallen sharply just 18 months after Labour swept to power in a landslide election.
As unrest grows, speculation is mounting over potential successors. Names being discussed include former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and health secretary Wes Streeting, among others seen as possible challengers should a leadership contest be triggered.
Under Labour Party rules, a leadership challenge would require nominations from 20% of Labour MPs –currently 81 members of the parliamentary party. Any candidates meeting that threshold, along with Sir Keir himself, would then face a vote of the wider Labour membership, including affiliated supporters such as trade unions, in a ballot involving around 250,000 people.
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TIPP Staff
