British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reported to be considering stepping down from office by the end of this week.
According to a report by Bloomberg, citing sources within the Labour Party, the likelihood of Prime Minister Keir Starmer remaining in office is described as “fifty-fifty.”
Speculation over Starmer’s possible resignation has intensified in connection with the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Washington. Mandelson’s alleged links to billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who was facing trial in the United States over accusations of running a prostitution network involving underage girls before being found dead in prison, have sparked controversy.
Bloomberg reported that some staff members within the Prime Minister’s Office are urging members of the British Cabinet to persuade Starmer to resign. If he refuses, they are reportedly calling on ministers to threaten resignation themselves.
Members of other political parties have also called for Starmer’s resignation. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the main opposition Conservative Party, said the prime minister should take responsibility for his “terrible decisions.”
A government official stated that the chances of Starmer remaining in office through the weekend are “fifty-fifty.”
Meanwhile, Starmer’s allies have come to his defense. Labour Party member Pat McFadden said, “Changing a prime minister every year and a half or two years is not good for the country. It leads to chaos and uncertainty in economic, political, and international reputation terms.”
Earlier, Morgan McSweeney, Prime Minister Starmer’s chief of staff, resigned after describing the recommendation to appoint Peter Mandelson as U.S. ambassador as a “mistake.” McSweeney stated that he took “full responsibility” for the decision.