UK PM Starmer Faces Calls to Resign Over Epstein-Linked Envoy, China Visa Row

Starmer vows to fight for his position as Labour party faces growing dissent and resignations over Mandelson appointment

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to resign amid revelations about the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US. Newly released documents detail Mandelson's close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, leading to the resignations of Starmer's top staff. Starmer has apologized for believing Mandelson's 'lies' and appointing him, but has vowed to fight for his position. The crisis is further complicated by a criminal investigation into Mandelson and broader geopolitical tensions with China over Hong Kong visas.

Why it matters

Starmer's premiership is under serious threat as the Labour party faces growing fragmentation and dissent within its ranks. The controversy over Mandelson's appointment has eroded public trust and raised questions about Starmer's judgment. The fallout also comes at a sensitive time for the UK, with geopolitical tensions with China and the US adding to the instability.

The details

The crisis stems from newly released documents detailing Mandelson's close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, even after Epstein's 2008 conviction. This has led to the resignations of Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and communications director, Tim Allan, who were directly linked to Mandelson's appointment. Starmer has publicly apologized to Epstein's victims, acknowledging he was misled by Mandelson. There is also an ongoing criminal investigation by UK police into Mandelson's alleged sharing of sensitive government information with Epstein.

  • On February 9th, Starmer addressed Labour members of Parliament, vowing to fight for his position.
  • On February 5th, Starmer publicly apologized to Epstein's victims, acknowledging he was misled by Mandelson.
  • On Monday, February 10th, Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, publicly called for Starmer to step down, becoming the first senior Labour figure to do so.

The players

Keir Starmer

The current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party, who is facing calls to resign over the Mandelson controversy.

Peter Mandelson

The former UK ambassador to the US who has been revealed to have close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, leading to the current crisis.

Anas Sarwar

The leader of the Scottish Labour Party, who has publicly called for Starmer to step down.

Angela Rayner

A potential successor to Starmer within the Labour Party, who has publicly backed the current administration.

Kemi Badenoch

The leader of the Conservative Party, who has criticized Starmer's government as being 'completely adrift.'

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What they’re saying

“After having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, I'm not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos as others have done.”

— Keir Starmer, Prime Minister (PA Media)

“Sorry for having believed this man's [Mandelson's] lies and appointed him.”

— Keir Starmer, Prime Minister (N/A)

“Starmer's government is 'completely adrift.'”

— Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party Leader (N/A)

What’s next

The expected resignation of Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald in the coming days is anticipated to exacerbate the instability within Downing Street.

The takeaway

The crisis facing Starmer's government highlights the fragility of political leadership and the importance of vetting key appointments, especially those with potential conflicts of interest or ties to controversial figures. The fallout also underscores the broader geopolitical challenges the UK faces, with tensions with China and the US adding to the domestic turmoil.