Epstein earthquake, Starmer's future and the impact on the British government
Despite calls for his resignation and divisions in the party, Starmer is determined to lead Labour into the next electoral challenges and overcome the ongoing crises
London - Keir Starmer survived the most dangerous day of his political career, but the future of the British PM remains uncertain. In a crucial meeting with party MPs last night, the Labour leader pulled out his claws, showing his determination to remain premier 'for the good of the country' despite criticism and calls for his resignation. 'I have never lost a battle I have fought,' he declared, earning a standing ovation from MPs, many of whom were calling for his head only hours earlier.
The fallout of the Epstein scandal on politics and the British royal house remains unpredictable. Starmer has been criticised for appointing party veteran Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, despite knowing of his close friendship with the paedophile financier who died in prison in 2009. The most dangerous moment came yesterday afternoon when the charismatic Labour Party leader in Scotland, Anas Sarwar, openly called for Starmer's resignation for making 'too many mistakes'.
Sarwar's brutal message had the opposite effect to that intended by the Scottish politician. As Ed Miliband, former Labour leader and current Energy Minister, explained this morning, 'MPs at the edge of the precipice looked into the abyss and decided not to take the plunge'. In other words, Labour decided not to follow the example of the Tories, known 'regicides', and not to change leaders on the run. The shared message is that internal divisions must not undermine the government's 'mission' to revive economic growth and improve the living conditions of British citizens after many difficult years.
The divisions, put aside at a time of crisis, remain, however, and the premier's position is still precarious. One Labour MP said that 'if Starmer every day was as combative as he was last night the party would be stronger'. When cornered, the PM - usually far too cautious and measured - showed a strength of character and determination that was appreciated.
The loose cannons that could damage his position are several. The first in order of time is the by-election in Gorton and Denton, near Manchester, which has always been a Labour stronghold that could pass to Reform, the populist party led by Nigel Farage. Then there are the regional elections on 6 May, which according to the polls look disastrous for Labour. And finally, new revelations about the relationships with Epstein and Mandelson's appointment could emerge in the course of the police investigation, which is examining all documents. Starmer remains a premier hanging by a thread.
