London (AFP) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wanted to show the "unity" of his government and seemed on borrowed time on Tuesday after several days of political storm, born from the repercussions of the Epstein affair in the United Kingdom.

Published on: 02/10/2026 - 4:29 p.m. Modified on: 02/10/2026 - 6:08 p.m.

“Strong and united” government

The controversy triggered by the revelations about the links between the American sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson, appointed by Keir Starmer as British ambassador to Washington and then dismissed after seven months, is the worst experienced by the Labor government, put in place in July 2024.

During the weekly meeting with his ministers on Tuesday, Keir Starmer "thanked them for their support" and argued that his government was "strong and united", according to the minutes released by Downing Street.

The day before, the Prime Minister had once again ruled out resigning during a crisis meeting in front of his party's deputies. Several key figures from Labor and the government mobilized to support him, including his former number 2, Angela Rayner, and his Minister of Health Wes Streeting, whose names are mentioned as potential successors in Downing Street.

Mr Starmer also said his government would continue to "relentlessly focus on the priorities of the British people".

“I will never give up the mandate entrusted to me to change this country,” he insisted during a trip on the theme of the cost of living in Hertfordshire, north of London.

The Mandelson affair led to the departure of two of his very close advisers and other heads could still roll, according to British media.

- The order to return to the ranks of Labor? -

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a potential rival to Keir Starmer, urged “stability”.

But, for many political observers, the discontent and loss of confidence in Keir Starmer will not go away so easily because, beyond the Mandelson affair, the government is also criticized for its policies.

As a sign of appeasement, the Prime Minister reiterated his confidence in Anas Sarwar, the leader of Labor in Scotland, who had requested his resignation on Monday. He said he supported him “100%” to become the next head of the Scottish government after May's regional vote.

- Difficult schedule for Starmer -

The upcoming publication of documents on the process of Peter Mandelson's ambassadorial appointment and removal from office could reignite questions about Keir Starmer's judgment and what he knew about his links to Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him.

“The truth must come out,” said conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch on Tuesday, denouncing an “attempt at concealment.” According to her, Keir Starmer's position is "untenable".

Two deadlines will be key to determining the future of the Prime Minister: a legislative by-election on February 26, in a constituency where Labor is threatened by the Greens and the anti-immigration Reform UK party. As well as local elections in May, to which Labor will arrive in difficulty.

- Where is the investigation into Mandelson? -

Former minister Peter Mandelson is an embarrassment to more than Keir Starmer. Wes Streeting took the initiative to make public the exchanges he had in 2024-2025 with the one who was ambassador.

“I am embarrassed to have known Peter Mandelson,” commented the Minister of Health on Sky News, while denying having been a close friend of the latter and ensuring that he had “nothing to hide”.

This approach was not to the taste of the police, who opened an investigation on February 3 against Peter Mandelson, suspected of having transmitted sensitive financial information to Jeffrey Epstein when he was a member of Gordon Brown's government (2008-2010).

“It is essential to follow procedure so as not to compromise our criminal investigation and any possible prosecution,” London police wrote in a statement, adding that “it is up to the government and Parliament to decide which documents should be published.”

© 2026 AFP

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