It seems like a distant memory when Keir Starmer triumphantly paraded through Downing Street after a resounding election win. During the 2024 campaign, while I shadowed him as part of the media entourage, he appeared to enjoy the exchanges with reporters. However, fast forward to February 2026, and the situation has taken a troubling turn.
Amid mounting concerns surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson and vocal skepticism from party members about his leadership, Starmer must have felt overwhelmed, akin to a vulnerable creature among predators. It’s astounding that just 18 months after securing a significant majority, a Prime Minister finds himself under intense scrutiny regarding his tenure.
Starmer addressed a gathering at a sports center in Hastings, focusing on unity, investment, and notably, taking a swipe at Reform, especially crucial with an upcoming by-election. Nevertheless, the choice to bring in Mandelson, dubbed the “Prince of Darkness,” will be a pivotal moment for his leadership.
Having witnessed numerous speeches by Starmer in recent years, this one stood out as his most visibly agitated. At one point, from the back of the room, it appeared the typically composed PM was visibly furious as he lashed out over Mandelson.
Following the recent confrontation during PMQs, Starmer recognizes that his future hinges on disassociating himself from Mandelson, who resigned amidst escalating discontent. However, the undeniable connection to Epstein raises questions about the PM’s judgment.
When asked if he made a Faustian bargain by appointing Mandelson despite the known risks, Starmer did not directly address that aspect of the query. However, he did extend an apology to Epstein’s victims for believing Mandelson’s falsehoods. While he maintains ignorance of the situation, skepticism remains among his detractors.
Starmer acknowledged, “It has been public knowledge for some time that Mandelson had ties to Epstein, but the depth of their relationship’s darkness was not fully known.” Against the backdrop of a blaring car alarm, he delivered what is arguably his most challenging speech as Prime Minister. The looming question is whether his actions have been sufficient, with talks of confidence votes, dissent from Labour MPs, and the Lib Dems adding to the mounting pressure.
Despite facing tougher poll numbers and a series of missteps over the past year and a half, his speech exuded an unusual tension. The Mandelson controversy now poses a significant risk of becoming a turning point, heightening the stakes to levels unseen since Labour’s return to power.
Has the PM taken adequate measures? One MP expressed doubt, stating, “I believe he is deluded or in denial, perhaps both. He has overseen the toxic environment that Mandelson thrived in since assuming office. When it served him well, the risk was tolerable. Now that it has backfired, he pleads ignorance about Mandelson’s character.”
Another voice added, “He may have bought himself some time, but he fails to grasp the extent of frustration and anger within the PLP.”
Dave, a political correspondent stationed at The Mirror’s Westminster bureau, has been covering political developments since joining the team in 2022, including the Tory leadership contests and current scrutiny of the Labour government at the Home Office.