LONDON — Feb 10 (GEokHub) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday he will not step aside from his role, pushing back against mounting pressure from within his own party and pledging to continue what he described as his mandate to change the country.
Starmer’s comments came a day after the most serious challenge yet to his leadership, when senior Labour figures — including the party’s leader in Scotland — publicly called on him to resign amid controversy surrounding a high-profile diplomatic appointment.
“I will never walk away from the mandate I was given to change this country,” Starmer told supporters during a visit to a community centre in southern England. “I will never walk away from the people I am fighting for.”
Internal Tensions and External Threats
The prime minister has faced sharp criticism over his decision to appoint veteran Labour figure Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, following renewed scrutiny of Mandelson’s past links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer dismissed calls for his resignation and urged Labour members to stop infighting, arguing the party should instead focus on countering the rise of the populist Reform UK party.
He warned that what he described as divisive politics posed a greater danger to Britain than internal disagreements within Labour.
Support From Senior Figures
Despite the backlash, Starmer received a temporary reprieve after securing the backing of senior cabinet ministers and several prominent figures seen as potential leadership rivals.
Former deputy leader Angela Rayner publicly supported Starmer, as did Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who called for unity and faster progress on reform.
Burnham said Labour should now focus on accelerating change rather than deepening internal divisions.
Mandelson Controversy Deepens
The controversy surrounding Mandelson has become the most significant threat to Starmer’s leadership since Labour entered government. Starmer has previously said Mandelson misled him about the extent of his past relationship with Epstein.
Recently disclosed emails have raised further questions about Mandelson’s conduct during the global financial crisis, suggesting sensitive discussions may have been shared with Epstein. Mandelson has not commented publicly and is currently under police investigation for alleged misconduct in office.
Leadership Test Continues
Starmer has also faced staff turmoil, losing two aides in as many days, adding to the perception of instability at the top of government.
While party backing has helped him withstand immediate calls to resign, the episode has exposed deep tensions within Labour and leaves the prime minister facing ongoing scrutiny as political pressure continues to build.
