Starmer vows to remain as UK PM amid Epstein falloutKeir Starmer has accused Mandelson of lying about his ties to financier Epstein. McSweeney's departure deprives the beleaguered UK leader of his closest adviser and the man who helped Starmer drag Labour back to the centre after succeeding leftist leader Jeremy Corbyn in 2020. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden said he believed Starmer would still be leader this time next year, saying he had a five-year mandate. 'Purpose'Labour has trailed Nigel Farage's hard-right Reform UK party by double-digit margins in the polls for the past year. Starmer also faces a crucial by-election on February 28, defeat in which would add to his woes.

Source: Bangkok Post February 09, 2026 20:21 UTC