Starmer insists party backing remains strong despite mounting pressure over scandal

Keir Starmer has insisted that the “vast majority” of Labour MPs continue to support him, despite growing pressure over the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.

The prime minister is facing serious questions about his future in office as the fallout from the vetting saga intensifies. Critics have raised concerns about how the appointment was handled, particularly after it emerged that security services had flagged issues before Mandelson took up the role.

Calls for Starmer to resign have followed, while reports suggest divisions within the Cabinet over his response to the situation. His decision to dismiss former Foreign Office chief Olly Robbins has added to the tension, with the move drawing further scrutiny.

Speaking about the situation, Starmer said that while criticism is part of political life, many voices of support remain unheard. He described most members of the Parliamentary Labour Party as “supportive, loyal and just want to get on with the job”, emphasising that they are focused on governing rather than engaging in public disputes.

Despite this, unease within the party appears to be growing. Some Labour MPs are said to be frustrated by the ongoing controversy and uncertainty. Reports indicate that figures such as Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner are being discussed as potential successors should the situation worsen, particularly if upcoming local election results prove damaging.

Polling among Labour members reflects a divided mood. While many believe the prime minister has handled the Mandelson issue poorly, a majority do not think he should step down. Opinions are also split on whether the party should change its leadership.

Starmer has remained confident about his political prospects, stating that he believes Labour can still win the next general election. He framed the future contest as a significant moment, suggesting it would centre on questions about national identity and values.

The controversy has also raised concerns about transparency. Reports have emerged that Starmer may have failed to declare a meeting involving a client of Mandelson’s lobbying firm. According to those reports, the prime minister attended an event at a technology company’s headquarters alongside Mandelson in February 2025.

Downing Street has said the gathering did not qualify as a formal meeting and therefore did not need to be recorded. However, the Ministry of Defence has described the event differently, adding to the dispute over whether proper procedures were followed.

Opposition figures have accused the prime minister of breaching the ministerial code, which sets out standards for conduct in government. Such a breach is often considered grounds for resignation, increasing the political stakes surrounding the issue.

A potential parliamentary vote next week could determine whether the matter is formally investigated. MPs may be asked to decide if Starmer should be referred to the Commons Privileges Committee, which examines whether ministers have misled Parliament.

Speaker Lindsay Hoyle is expected to make a statement on the issue, paving the way for a possible vote. At the same time, Starmer’s former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is due to face questions from MPs about his role in the appointment process.

Government ministers have defended the prime minister. Darren Jones said there is “no case to answer” and accused opposition parties of using the issue as a political tactic ahead of local elections.

Although Labour’s majority in the Commons makes it unlikely that a vote against Starmer would succeed, the situation continues to pose a significant challenge. The ongoing scrutiny risks undermining confidence in his leadership as the party navigates a period of political uncertainty.