UK PM Keir Starmer Vows To Go On, Rules Out Resignation Amid Epstein-Mandelson Row

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 17:30 IST

Keir Starmer refuses to resign amid pressure over Peter Mandelson's appointment and links to Epstein, apologizes to victims, and praises outgoing chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday made it clear he would not resign despite mounting pressure over the appointment of Peter Mandelson, telling staff at 10 Downing Street that his government remained driven by “public duty" and a shared purpose.

The remarks came as Starmer faces his biggest political crisis yet, with opposition leaders and some Labour MPs calling on him to step down.

Addressing No 10 staff, Starmer said the controversy had damaged public faith in politics. “The thing that makes me most angry is the undermining of the belief that politics can be a force for good and can change lives," he said, referring to revelations about Mandelson’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

He added: “I have been absolutely clear that I regret the decision that I made to appoint Peter Mandelson. And I’ve apologised to the victims which is the right thing to do."

Starmer also paid tribute to his outgoing chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who quit on Sunday after advising the prime minister to make the controversial appointment.

“I’ve known Morgan for eight years as a colleague and as a friend. We have run up and down every political football pitch that is across the country. We’ve been in every battle that we needed to be in together. Fighting that battle," Starmer said, adding that Labour’s transformation and election victory would not have been possible without him.

The Labour leader is scrambling to shore up his leadership as he prepares to face angry lawmakers, with the fallout from Mandelson’s appointment triggering calls for resignation from opposition figures, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

The controversy resurfaced after fresh US Justice Department documents revived scrutiny of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein. Mandelson, who was sacked last year, is now under police investigation for misconduct in public office, while Starmer has accused him of lying during the vetting process and reiterated his apology to Epstein’s victims.

News world UK PM Keir Starmer Vows To Go On, Rules Out Resignation Amid Epstein-Mandelson Row

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