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McSweeney expressed regret over the distress caused by his recent decision, admitting it was the sole course of action available to him.
“Appointing Peter Mandelson was a mistake,” McSweeney stated. “He has harmed our party, our nation, and the public’s trust in politics.”
“I was the one who advised the prime minister on this appointment, and I accept full responsibility for that recommendation. Given the situation, stepping down is the only honorable path forward.”
Mandelson was dismissed by Starmer in September after the release of emails revealed he had maintained ties with Epstein even after the financier’s 2008 conviction for sex offenses involving a minor.
Nonetheless, this scandal might prove to be a significant setback for Starmer’s already challenging term as Prime Minister.
Miller said economic stagnation and attempting to appeal to a broader support base has seen the Labour party alienate large sections of the population, and they sit behind Reform UK in the polls.
With local council elections approaching in May – and Labour staring down the barrel of poor results – some Labor MPs have called for Starmer to follow MacSweeney’s lead.
“The PM must consider following McSweeney’s lead one last time and doing the same [stepping down].”
Leishman claimed factionalism was damaging the party, a claim made by fellow MP Richard Burgon.
“We need a total clear out at the top of the Party,” he added.
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