Who Is Shabana Mahmood, Muslim Politician Who Could Become UK PM After Starmer?

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 20:46 IST

Starmer’s leadership has come under intense scrutiny following disclosures concerning a former UK ambassador's past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Shabana Mahmood has emerged as a leading contender for the top job in British politics as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure over revelations linked to the Epstein files, triggering unrest within the ruling Labour Party.

Starmer’s leadership has come under intense scrutiny following disclosures concerning former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson’s past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The controversy has sparked sharp criticism from across the political spectrum and fuelled calls from sections of Labour for Starmer to step aside, plunging the party into its most serious internal crisis since coming to power.

As speculation grows over a possible leadership change, attention has increasingly shifted to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, widely seen as one of Labour’s most credible and experienced figures.

If she were to succeed Starmer, Mahmood would make history as the United Kingdom’s first Muslim prime minister.

Who Is Shabana Mahmood?

Mahmood, 45, has been Home Secretary since 2025 and is regarded as a formidable administrator with a strong grasp of law and governance.

Before taking charge of the Home Office, she served as Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, where she led high-profile reforms addressing prison overcrowding, sentencing policy and civil unrest.

A trained barrister, she represents the Birmingham Ladywood constituency in Parliament and is associated with Labour’s socially conservative Blue Labour tradition.

Born in Birmingham to parents of Pakistani origin, Mahmood spent part of her childhood in Saudi Arabia before returning to the UK.

She went on to study law at Lincoln College, Oxford, and built a legal career as a barrister specialising in professional indemnity law before entering politics.

Mahmood was first elected to the House of Commons in 2010, becoming one of the country’s earliest female Muslim MPs.

Over the years, she steadily rose through Labour’s ranks, holding a series of key shadow cabinet roles, including Shadow Justice Secretary, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury and National Campaign Coordinator, earning a reputation as a disciplined strategist and effective communicator.

Her transition into government leadership roles further elevated her profile. Appointed Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary in 2024, she oversaw controversial early-release schemes aimed at easing pressure on overcrowded prisons and coordinated the government’s response to episodes of civil disorder.

As Home Secretary from 2025, Mahmood adopted a firm approach to immigration, introduced significant refugee policy reforms and led the country’s largest-ever deployment of live facial recognition technology in policing, moves that drew both praise and criticism.

News world Who Is Shabana Mahmood, Muslim Politician Who Could Become UK PM After Starmer?

Read More