UK PM Starmer Fights Off Resignation Calls Amid Epstein-Linked Scandal

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer moved to project strength on Tuesday, dismissing strident calls for his resignation just 19 months into his term, as a scandal involving a former ambassador continues to unsettle his government.

Starmer told a cabinet meeting that his team remained “strong and united,” after a tense 24 hours in which Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar publicly demanded he step down. The pressure stems from Starmer’s appointment of veteran Labour figure Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, despite being aware of Mandelson’s past links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“I will never walk away from the mandate I was given to change this country,” Starmer said during a public appearance, criticizing those pushing for internal conflict.

The controversy over Mandelson’s brief diplomatic posting has escalated into the most serious crisis of Starmer’s premiership, raising questions about his judgment and adding to existing frustration within the party. Labour currently trails the hard-right Reform UK in several polls ahead of crucial local elections.

In a coordinated effort to stabilize his leadership, senior figures including potential successors such as Angela Rayner and Shabana Mahmood publicly backed Starmer. Their support helped stifle an attempted rebellion, at least for now.

Mandelson was dismissed last September after U.S. congressional documents revealed continued contact with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction. Recent releases also suggest Mandelson may have shared confidential UK government information with Epstein. British police are now investigating Mandelson for misconduct in public office and have raided two of his properties.

Starmer has apologized to Epstein’s victims and accused Mandelson of lying during the vetting process. The government is preparing to release tens of thousands of documents related to the appointment, a move that could intensify scrutiny on the prime minister.

The Labour leader has also faced internal turbulence, losing two senior aides in recent days including Morgan McSweeney, the architect of his political strategy. With a challenging by-election later this month and local elections in May, Starmer’s ability to hold onto power may soon face further tests.