Starmer confronts no-confidence calls after Epstein files implicate Mandelson

Newly released documents from the continuing US disclosures of files related to Jeffrey Epstein purport to show a $75,000 payment to Lord Peter Mandelson and what officials describe as the passing of sensitive inside information while Mandelson was working at the heart of Gordon Brown’s government. The revelations have plunged the prime minister into his most acute political crisis since taking office, with opposition leaders and some Labour figures calling for an immediate vote of no confidence.

The materials, described by officials as including email exchanges, private photographs and records of financial dealings, reportedly show a close relationship between Mandelson and Epstein that went beyond acquaintance. The payment is reported as $75,000, shown also in published coverage as roughly £55,000. Lord Mandelson has said he "cannot remember" the payment.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologised to Epstein’s victims and acknowledged he had been misled in appointing Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States, a posting Mandelson received in February last year. Starmer said he had "believed Mandelson's lies" and told an audience in southern England that "none of us knew the depth and the darkness of that relationship." He has indicated he will not resign.

The political fallout has been immediate. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged Labour MPs to force a confidence vote, saying Labour may need to hold the prime minister to account and warning that "Britain is not being governed." Badenoch added on social media: "My message to Labour MPs is if you want the change you know the country needs, come and speak to my team. I'm ready to talk seriously about a vote of no confidence." Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey demanded a parliamentary test of support, saying "Keir Starmer should say 'put up or shut up'. Let’s have a confidence vote now" so government business can resume.

Pressure has also come from within Labour. Simon Opher, the MP for Stroud, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: "Keir Starmer needs to change his advisers in No 10. I think he’s been badly advised, and he’s been really let down, particularly on this decision." Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, said the prime minister had looked "weak, naive and gullible." Other Labour MPs described the situation as untenable; one said the parliamentary mood was among the angriest he had seen in 16 years.

A focal point of internal scrutiny is Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff and a long-time Mandelson ally. MPs have called for changes to Downing Street personnel, and ministers are being asked to hand over details of their communications with Mandelson. Officials expect related files to be published "within days," a development Labour MPs say could renew pressure on the prime minister.

Parliamentary arithmetic complicates immediate prospects for removal. Labour holds a comfortable Commons majority, meaning any opposition motion is unlikely to succeed unless a significant number of Labour MPs vote against their leader. Polling cited by political analysts indicates Starmer entered the crisis with historically low approval ratings, leaving his position politically fragile even if legally unthreatened.

The documents at the centre of the storm remain subject to further scrutiny. Epstein died in jail in 2019 by suicide while facing charges of alleged sex trafficking, and the continuing release of files has prompted calls for full disclosure of the records underpinning the new claims. Downing Street faces growing demands to produce the appointment files and to explain the vetting that led to Mandelson’s posting to Washington.