Will Mandelson be Starmer's downfall? episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 4, 2026 · 25 MIN

Will Mandelson be Starmer's downfall?

from The New Statesman Podcast, Subscriber Only Edition

Keir Starmer knew about Peter Mandelson's friendship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein – but still appointed him US ambassador. After a bruising Prime Minister's Questions for Keir Starmer, Ailbhe Rea joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss whether the Mandelson affair could be the downfall of the Prime Minister – or his closest aide, Morgan McSweeney, who championed Mandelson. Ailbhe shares her exclusive reporting on the process which led to Mandelson's appointment, and the impact this scandal will have on the Labour Party and the Prime Minister. READ The Mandelson Affair: inside the scandal of a century

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Will Mandelson be Starmer's downfall?

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This episode is 25 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 4, 2026.

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Keir Starmer knew about Peter Mandelson's friendship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein – but still appointed him US ambassador. After a bruising Prime Minister's Questions for Keir Starmer, Ailbhe Rea joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss whether the...

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