British PM’s Grip On Power Collapsing In Real Time As Epstein Scandal Engulfs Admin

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been plunged into crisis as fallout continues from revelations linking a senior political appointment to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, triggering high-level resignations and growing calls for his removal.

Starmer told staff Monday morning that he had no intention of stepping down despite mounting pressure inside his own Labour Party, Reuters reported. His show of confidence, however, failed to stem the political damage, as top aides resigned and senior party figures openly questioned whether the troubled prime minister should remain in power.

The turmoil centers on Peter Mandelson, Starmer’s appointed ambassador to the United States. Mandelson was removed from his post in September over his ties to Epstein, and the latest tranche of Epstein-related files released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in January has resulted in a growing scandal enveloping Starmer’s administration.

The DOJ release of files in January triggered a police investigation into Mandelson, who has been accused of passing confidential and market-sensitive information to Epstein in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The documents also suggest Epstein made payments totaling $75,000 to accounts linked to Mandelson between 2003 and 2004.

A trove of documents released in September revealed messages in which Mandelson expressed support for Epstein while the financier was facing charges for soliciting a minor in 2008. The files also confirmed Mandelson’s inclusion in Epstein’s 2003 “birthday book,” which featured a handwritten note describing Epstein as his “best pal.”

Police raided two of Mandelson’s properties on Friday as part of their investigation into misconduct in public office.

Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff and closest political adviser, resigned Sunday after accepting “full responsibility” for recommending Mandelson’s appointment.

“The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself,” McSweeney said in a statement to reporters on Sunday. “While I did not oversee the due diligence and vetting process, I believe that process must now be fundamentally overhauled.”

On Monday, Starmer’s director of communications, Tim Allan, also resigned, saying he was stepping aside to allow the prime minister to rebuild his leadership team.

Starmer has admitted that he knew about Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein when he nominated him as ambassador to the U.S., but has argued that Mandelson had “lied repeatedly” about the extent of his past contact.

Starmer apologized for “believing Mandelson’s lies” and said the former ambassador had “betrayed our country” in his dealings with Epstein.

The opposition Conservative Party has argued the scandal raised serious questions about Starmer’s judgment and ability to govern, with party leader Kemi Badenoch calling Starmer’s position “untenable.”

But calls for Starmer to resign have also come from within his own party.

Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan said Friday that a true “reset” would require “changing who’s in charge,” while fellow Labour lawmaker Rachael Maskell said it was “inevitable” that Starmer would have to quit, according to the BBC. Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar also called on the prime minister to step down on Monday.

“Keir, you’re a good man. A decent man … But this can’t go on,” British broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote on X Monday. “For the good of the country, resign.”

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