Labour MPs believe Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership is in serious trouble. Tensions are rising over his decision to name Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, despite Mandelson’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The government only narrowly avoided a defeat in Parliament by agreeing to a new requirement. This amendment forces the government to release files concerning both the appointment and Mandelson's relationship with Epstein. While these documents are currently held up by a police investigation, MPs say their eventual release could spark a formal challenge to Starmer’s leadership. Many in the party have already stated they no longer trust the Prime Minister.

The situation worsened when Starmer admitted he knew about the friendship before giving Mandelson the job. MPs described this admission as a turning point that severely damaged his credibility. However, Downing Street clarified that Starmer was only aware of facts that were already in the public domain.