Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar has called for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down following troubling revelations concerning former British ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, and his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Starmer’s tenure, which has lasted just 19 months, is under intense scrutiny. On Monday, Sarwar urged that the “distraction needs to end and the leadership in Downing Street has to change,” signaling a need for a fresh start at the helm.

As the most senior Labour official to demand Starmer’s resignation, Sarwar’s comments add significant pressure on the Prime Minister, especially after Starmer’s controversial decision to appoint Mandelson to a prominent diplomatic role.

Opposition calls to resign

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch of the Conservative Party echoed these sentiments, critiquing Starmer for making “bad decision after bad decision” and declaring his position as “untenable.”

Starmer’s government has faced challenges in delivering on promises of economic growth, mending public services, and alleviating the cost of living. His commitment to restoring integrity after 14 years of scandal-plagued Conservative governance has been undermined by policy reversals and contentious welfare decisions.

Labour’s continued lag behind the far-right Reform UK party in opinion polls has fueled speculation of potential leadership changes, even before the controversy surrounding Mandelson emerged.

Under Britain’s parliamentary system, prime ministers can change without the need for a national election. If Starmer is challenged or resigns, it will trigger an election for the Labour leadership. The winner would become prime minister.

The Conservatives went through three prime ministers between national elections in 2019 and 2024, including Liz Truss, who lasted just 49 days in office.

Starmer was elected on a promise to end the political chaos that roiled the Conservatives’ final years in power. That proved easier said than done.

Labour politician Clive Efford said Starmer’s critics should “be careful what you wish for”.

“I don’t think people took to the changes in prime minister when the Tories were in power,” he told the BBC.

“It didn’t do them any good.”

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