LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday insisted he would not resign despite growing pressure over the government’s handling of a scandal linked to Jeffrey Epstein, after a senior ally publicly called on him to step down.
Speaking to Labour MPs at a closed-door meeting, Starmer said he would not “walk away” from his mandate, arguing that after fighting hard to gain power, he remained committed to his responsibilities as prime minister. He was greeted with applause as he struck a defiant tone, saying he had “won every fight” he had ever been in.
Read More: Starmer fights for survival after Epstein fallout
The remarks came hours after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar urged Starmer to quit, criticising his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States despite knowing of Mandelson’s past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sarwar said the controversy had become a damaging distraction and called for a change in leadership.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar urged UK PM Keir Starmer to resign, calling Downing Street’s leadership a distraction amid aide resignations, polling declines, and controversy over Peter Mandelson’s role. Starmer refuses to step down, deepening tensions inside Labour.… pic.twitter.com/aTutGAuMQ1
— Geo Frontline (@geofrontlinetv) February 10, 2026
Senior cabinet ministers moved quickly to rally behind Starmer, including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Finance Minister Rachel Reeves. Angela Rayner and Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood, both seen as potential successors, also publicly pledged their support.
The prime minister’s position has been further weakened by a series of high-profile resignations. On Monday, his communications chief Tim Allan quit just months into the role, following the resignation of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney a day earlier. McSweeney had advised Starmer on Mandelson’s appointment and was considered his closest aide.
Opposition figures seized on the turmoil, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch calling Starmer’s position “untenable” and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage suggesting his tenure was nearing its end. Labour has trailed Reform UK in opinion polls over the past year.
Read More: Peter Mandelson quits Labour Party amid renewed Epstein links
Mandelson was dismissed last September after documents revealed the extent of his relationship with Epstein. Police are now investigating him for alleged misconduct in public office. Starmer has apologised to Epstein’s victims and said Mandelson misled the government during the vetting process, as pressure continues to mount ahead of key elections.