Tuesday, February 17, 2026-British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting political pressure as his attempt to defend his government’s handling of the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal has failed to satisfy critics across the political spectrum.
At the centre of the controversy is Starmer’s decision to appoint former Labour peer Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States — a role he was removed from last year after newly released documents suggested continuing ties with Epstein. Starmer has publicly apologised, saying he regrets the appointment and that he was misled by Mandelson over the nature of the relationship, but this explanation has done little to quell the backlash.
Despite insisting he has pledged full confidence in the vetting process and condemning Mandelson’s conduct as a “litany of deceit,” Starmer’s defence has been described by opposition parties and some of his own lawmakers as insufficient and tone‑deaf, sparking calls for leadership changes.
Critics argue the prime minister’s judgement is in question for elevating a controversial figure with known links to a convicted sex offender to such a high-profile diplomatic post. Amid resignations from top aides and a broader government reshuffle aimed at damage control, pressure is building inside Parliament for Starmer to account more fully for how the episode unfolded and why it was not anticipated.
The controversy has also triggered a police investigation into Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office related to leaked documents to Epstein, heightening the political stakes. While Starmer vows to fight for his job and insists the government will release more information about the appointment process, skepticism remains high among lawmakers and the public, with many viewing his apologies and explanations as reactive rather than decisive — leaving his leadership vulnerable amid one of the most serious crises of his tenure.
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