Any of you British guys want to explain what's going on? Is there going to be an election or what?

Mail Online

Angela Rayner leads Epstein 'cover-up' revolt against Sta...

Angela Rayner was among MPs demanding that the Intelligence and Security Committee oversees what material is released about Mandelson vetting process.

I don't think that there will be an election. Under our system of parliamentary government the Executive (Prime Minister) is found from the party which has the most seats in the House of Commons. To be appointed as Prime Minister by The King one must command a majority of votes in the Commons, either through an absolute majority or through a coalition with other parties.

Labour has a massive majority in the Commons. The next election does not need to be called until August 2029. Labour are extremely unpopular in the country, having, quite remarkably, lost an astonishing amount of popular support extremely rapidly, however their majority is sufficiently strong to keep them in government.

If Starmer does lose the leadership of the Labour Party, either through the scandals over Mandelson or (I suspect more likely) disastrous results in the May local council elections then another leader will emerge from within the Labour Party.

They won't call an election because quite simply, as things stand, they would lose it. The most likely result would be a Reform led government, either as a minority government propped up by the Conservatives or in coalition with Kemi Badenoch's Tory Party.

Speaking personally that last would be my preferred option - it would clip Farages wings and I think Badenoch has a lot to offer. Such arrangements have to be pragmatic, and I favour pragmatism over dogma in government! Many would disagree but remember of course, coalition allies do not need to like each other!

So basically, no election, possibly a new Labour leader as Prime Minister. Looking at the likely candidates, hmm, heaven help us!

On 2/4/2026 at 10:05 PM, Yagoda said:

Is there going to be an election or what?

No. UK has a parliamentary system of government, we have no President but a Monarch as head of state. The party (or coalition) with the most seats in parliament gets to form the government, and the leader of the party becomes Prime Minister. The party can change leader whilst still remaining in government. The previous Conservative government started with Boris Johnson, followed by Liz Truss and ended with Rishi Sunak. This government has over three years left to run, and as pointed out above they're not particularly popular, so unlikely to call an election until they have to.

On 2/4/2026 at 10:05 PM, Yagoda said:

Any of you British guys want to explain what's going on? Is there going to be an election or what?

Mail Online

Angela Rayner leads Epstein 'cover-up' revolt against Sta...

Angela Rayner was among MPs demanding that the Intelligence and Security Committee oversees what material is released about Mandelson vetting process.

Unlike America, UK's politicians are held to a much higher standard. Mandelson should never have been made Embassador to the US with 'vetting' seeming to be non-existent (or very lax). Starmer is insisting he was lied to by Mandelson, but that doesn't wash with much of the electorate in the UK who see this as yet another failure in a long list of failures and U-turns. There aren't too many good, viable alternatives to Starmer right now, so that might keep in in the job for a while yet.

Labour needs to get it's act together and it needs to be soon as if not then that idiot Farage (a major architect of the disaster that was/is Brexit) is probably a shoo-in for the next PM. As stated by JAG (above), Labour have an overwhelming majority and the next election isn't due for another 3+ years so I too predict a change of PM if the May local council elections go with what many are predicting and Labour lose. Interesting times ahead indeed.

2 hours ago, johnnybangkok said:

Unlike America, UK's politicians are held to a much higher standard.

Show us how?

I cant believe you ruined a good explanation with reflexive anti -americanism

17 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Show us how?

I cant believe you ruined a good explanation with reflexive anti -americanism

Well for example Trump is mentioned 38,000 times in the Epstein files, he absolutely knew Epstein “liked them young” and has had so many accusations of impropriety with young girls (mostly to do with his pageant) it’s hard to keep count. And obviously he was convicted of sexual assault, $hagged a porn star and is a convicted felon.

No British MP would have survived a fraction of those accusations/convictions and still be in office.

As I said, much higher standards.

Angela Rayner takes the ethical high road, hahaha.

I googled, "There are some Brits who aren't happy with the far left Starmer even before this latest scandal ". The Results he's hanging in by a thread.

‘Hanging by a thread’: Labour MP torches Starmer in Mandelson backlash

3 hours ago, johnnybangkok said:

Unlike America, UK's politicians are held to a much higher standard. Mandelson should never have been made Embassador to the US with 'vetting' seeming to be non-existent (or very lax). Starmer is insisting he was lied to by Mandelson, but that doesn't wash with much of the electorate in the UK who see this as yet another failure in a long list of failures and U-turns. There aren't too many good, viable alternatives to Starmer right now, so that might keep in in the job for a while yet.

Labour needs to get it's act together and it needs to be soon as if not then that idiot Farage (a major architect of the disaster that was/is Brexit) is probably a shoo-in for the next PM. As stated by JAG (above), Labour have an overwhelming majority and the next election isn't due for another 3+ years so I too predict a change of PM if the May local council elections go with what many are predicting and Labour lose. Interesting times ahead indeed.

I'd agree with that apart from two points. Firstly, I'm not sure that UK politicians are held to a higher standard than those in the US. Imo much of a muchness. Secondly, it doesn't appear that the vetting was particularly lax, more that it was ignored when appointing Mandelson.

@Yagoda You might like to watch the attached video which gives the full exchange between Starmer and Badenoch (the leader of the Opposition). It gives the full context behind this particular issue and shows how Prime Minister's Questions - which happens every week when Parliament sits - works (Not usually this interesting, mind).

https://news.sky.com/video/in-full-starmer-and-badenoch-clash-over-mandelson-13503198

On 2/4/2026 at 10:05 PM, Yagoda said:

Any of you British guys want to explain what's going on? Is there going to be an election or what?

Mail Online

Angela Rayner leads Epstein 'cover-up' revolt against Sta...

Angela Rayner was among MPs demanding that the Intelligence and Security Committee oversees what material is released about Mandelson vetting process.

No election. As already explained, the government's majority isn't impaired, just the current leadership is a bit buggered.

Before Starmer inevitably falls on his sword, none of his likely successors will make any direct call for his resignation and, as in the case of his former deputy Rayner, all denials of seeking to be the next PM will come from third-party quotes, such as "a friend of Rayner's claims she said she has no interest", etc. etc. Nobody will nail their colours to the mast with the media while there is any chance that Starmer will dodge the bullet. Such is the nature of duplicitous politicians. For example, the rising star of Health Secretary Streeting may already be fading as he lives further up Starmer's arse than any other current cabinet minister. If Starmer falls, he can cash in his cabinet chips.

What we can expect is an unfortunate repeat of the previous Conservative government's desperate revolving door of premiership which augmented but didn't hasten their eventual downfall. Like the Tories, the candidates will be common knowledge, but the horse-trading by fellow MP's over who gets the job will be a murky mess of special interests and protecting their own career.

Unless the incumbent government fails a no confidence motion debate in the House, the people will be the last to decide.

10 minutes ago, johnnybangkok said:

Well for example Trump is mentioned 38,000 times in the Epstein files, he absolutely knew Epstein “liked them young” and has had so many accusations of impropriety with young girls (mostly to do with his pageant) it’s hard to keep count. And obviously he was convicted of sexual assault, $hagged a porn star and is a convicted felon.

No British MP would have survived a fraction of those accusations/convictions and still be in office.

As I said, much higher standards.

Or much more discerning about what is propaganda. But continue with your anti Trump diatribes, its a British tradition to dislike your boss or your betters

Want to know how bad things are going to get just look at the front bench.

Reptilian Lammy' is DPM for starters, Starmer' is toast thats a given any of the others will burn the house down the country and pound are doomed🤔

12 minutes ago, johnnybangkok said:

No British MP would have survived a fraction of those accusations/convictions and still be in office.

Thatcher knew Jimmy Saville personally. Police "investigations" were a farce.

Despite police "investigations", like Saville, MP Cyril Smith's heinous crimes didn't come to light until after he died.

Mandelson was on cruise control for years after Epstein was first busted.

Now we see the bald-faced duplicity of a man, qualified in law and who ran the Crown Prosecution Service successfully for 5 years, trying to blow off his blind faith in a twice failed politician with an apology for believing Mandelson's lies. I guess in his defence, he was a prosecution lawyer whereas a defence lawyer is more capable of spotting porkies.

Anyway here's 6 more of the UK's best as it already includes Mandelson.

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/politicians-behaving-badly-7-british-government-scandals/

Starmer is a weasel with no moral compass. He will have be dragged kicking and screaming out of No 10. Who said they would be in for 5 years, no chance of that now 😁

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

Or much more discerning about what is propaganda. But continue with your anti Trump diatribes, its a British tradition to dislike your boss or your betters

If you want to stick your fingers in your ears and shout “la, la, la” then that’s up to you.

You asked why UK politicians are held to a higher standard and I answered. Your answer is from the usual echo chamber you choose to inhabit; mine is from verifiable facts.

And Trump is neither my boss nor my better. But he certainly might be yours.

1 hour ago, RayC said:

I'd agree with that apart from two points. Firstly, I'm not sure that UK politicians are held to a higher standard than those in the US.

Trump is a convicted felon, he defrauded his own charity, has been done for paying off a porn star and recently re-posted a meme depicting the Obamas as apes. Name me one British MP who would not only have survived that, but who would have been made the head of state?

2 minutes ago, johnnybangkok said:

Trump is a convicted felon, he defrauded his own charity, has been done for paying off a porn star and recently re-posted a meme depicting the Obamas as apes. Name me one British MP who would not only have survived that, but who would have been made the head of state?

Charles married a horse

Andrew is creepy

Jimmy Saville was protected for years

52 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Thatcher knew Jimmy Saville personally. Police "investigations" were a farce.

Despite police "investigations", like Saville, MP Cyril Smith's heinous crimes didn't come to light until after he died.

Mandelson was on cruise control for years after Epstein was first busted.

Now we see the bald-faced duplicity of a man, qualified in law and who ran the Crown Prosecution Service successfully for 5 years, trying to blow off his blind faith in a twice failed politician with an apology for believing Mandelson's lies. I guess in his defence, he was a prosecution lawyer whereas a defence lawyer is more capable of spotting porkies.

Anyway here's 6 more of the UK's best as it already includes Mandelson.

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/politicians-behaving-badly-7-british-government-scandals/

I’m not sure where you are going with all this. There’s no evidence to suggest Thatcher knew anything about Saville and Smith was dead before his criminality came to light.

I’m talking about a currently convicted felon, fraudster and $hagger of porn stars STILL holding the highest office in the land.

I don’t care what you say about “guilt by association” but absolutely no British MP would have been able to get away with anything close to what goes on in America these days.

5 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Charles married a horse

Andrew is creepy

Jimmy Saville was protected for years

None of which are politicians.

I know its difficult for you to focus but do at least try to keep up with what the post is all about.

The ONLY reason Im not further responding to the Trump insanity is because its off topic.

So to bring it back on topic, you guys are STUCK with whoever Labour chooses

1 minute ago, Yagoda said:

The ONLY reason Im not further responding to the Trump insanity is because its off topic.

So to bring it back on topic, you guys are STUCK with whoever Labour chooses

You pick a topic - people reply to your topic - you then pick a part of someone's reply about your topic with the question 'Show us how?' and when that person shows you how you then start crying when it's not the answer you were looking for.

And you call us snowflakes.

11 minutes ago, johnnybangkok said:

recently re-posted a meme depicting the Obamas as apes

Stop it!!!! My ribs, oh the pain🤣😂😅

Sir Kier was toast after siccing the entire judicial system on upset parents concerned about their babies safety after the Welsh choirboy run amok in Southport, and indeed Sir Kiers personal role in importing said choirboy's vile father with more than dubious history.

2 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Stop it!!!! My ribs, oh the pain🤣😂😅

Sir Kier was toast after siccing the entire judicial system on upset parents concerned about their babies safety after the Welsh choirboy run amok in Southport, and indeed Sir Kiers personal role in importing said choirboy's vile father with more than dubious history.

I'm not conversing with you. You are neither objective nor factual and don't merit any attention whatsoever.

But thanks for playing.

1 hour ago, baansgr said:

Starmer is a weasel with no moral compass. He will have be dragged kicking and screaming out of No 10. Who said they would be in for 5 years, no chance of that now 😁

With a majority of +/-160 in the Commons how will the Labour party be forced from office before 2029?

A partly rhetorical question: The only way is if they decide that calling an election up to 12 months earlier gives them a better chance of re-election.

31 minutes ago, johnnybangkok said:

Trump is a convicted felon, he defrauded his own charity, has been done for paying off a porn star and recently re-posted a meme depicting the Obamas as apes. Name me one British MP who would not only have survived that, but who would have been made the head of state?

Well, when you put it like that ....

16 minutes ago, johnnybangkok said:

You pick a topic - people reply to your topic - you then pick a part of someone's reply about your topic with the question 'Show us how?' and when that person shows you how you then start crying when it's not the answer you were looking for.

And you call us snowflakes.

12 minutes ago, johnnybangkok said:

I'm not conversing with you. You are neither objective nor factual and don't merit any attention whatsoever.

But thanks for playing.

Now who is being the snowflake. Off topic though, the issue is Kier, you were the one who brought up your incipient Trump hatred.

Trump is off topic. You interjected him.

3 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Now who is being the snowflake. Off topic though, the issue is Kier, you were the one who brought up your incipient Trump hatred.

Trump is off topic. You interjected him.

You don't even know what you do yourself.

One last time, I mentioned in a LONG paragraph 'Unlike America, UK's politicians are held to a much higher standard'. It could have ended there (or you could have chosen any other part of my post to discuss) but YOU wanted that part explained. I then explained it to you. You didn't like the answer, threw a mini-tantrum and now you are accusing me of going 'off topic'.

If you don't like the answer then don't ask the question.

27 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Charles married a horse

Andrew is creepy

Jimmy Saville was protected for years

"Andrew" was never going to be head of State, he fell out of any realistic running for that prospect the moment Prince William was born, 43 years ago.

Saville was a disgusting creatures. Far from the best moment in modern British history. However he was neither a politician nor anywhere near becoming head of state.

I get it that you don't think Queen Camilla is attractive.

Like so many of your countrymen you have not grasped that the head of State in a modern constitutional monarchy ( of which there are 7 in Europe), is not a political post, but an apolitical sovereign.

30 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Charles married a horse

Andrew is creepy

Jimmy Saville was protected for years

1 minute ago, johnnybangkok said:

Unlike America, UK's politicians are held to a much higher standard'.

2 minutes ago, johnnybangkok said:

If you don't like the answer then don't ask the question.

Baiting. Got it.

As a result of Jeffrey Epstein related documents and emails,the Economist reports.

Its being described as Britain's worst political scandal of this century, with The Economist calling the Mandelson /Epstein affair a threat to Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership as a political embarrassment escalates into a criminal investigation.

Britain’s worst political scandal of this century

"The Mandelson affair threatens Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership"

https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/02/04/britains-worst-political-scandal-of-this-century