Starmer in crisis: aide quits, Epstein email row deepens

Starmer in crisis: aide quits, Epstein email row deepens

Downing Street was in turmoil on Monday as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced another wave of political chaos. The Labour leader, already reeling from scandals surrounding Peter Mandelson, was hit by the resignation of a senior aide and fresh pressure from within his own party.

Paul Ovenden, Starmer’s director of strategy, quit after offensive private messages about Labour veteran Diane Abbott were revealed. His departure marks the third senior exit in just two weeks, following the downfall of Mandelson and Deputy PM Angela Rayner. The timing could not be worse for Starmer, who had only recently attempted to reset his struggling premiership with the launch of “Phase Two” of his government.

The latest crisis was compounded by the Prime Minister’s admission that he had been aware of explosive Epstein-related emails involving Mandelson even while defending him publicly. Critics accused Starmer of failing to act decisively, especially after Mandelson was exposed for urging convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s early release from jail. Mandelson was forced out as US ambassador last week, ending yet another chapter in his chequered career.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of “going into hiding” during the scandal, while Labour MPs privately warned he could be gone by May if he fails to reassert control. For now, Starmer insists he was misled by Mandelson and expressed anger at the lack of candour from his former ally. But the mounting resignations, sliding public confidence, and deepening unrest inside Labour suggest his position is becoming increasingly precarious.

Key Takeaways:

• PM Keir Starmer faces mounting Labour unrest after aide Paul Ovenden quit over crude remarks about Diane Abbott.

• Starmer admitted he knew about Epstein-related emails linked to Peter Mandelson while still backing him publicly.

• With three senior allies gone in two weeks, MPs warn Starmer could be ousted by May.

Source: Daily Mail