The Sunday Times has reported that pressure is intensifying on Sir Keir Starmer following revelations that shortly before appointing Lord Mandelson as the US ambassador, he received a report detailing the peer's connections with the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. This document, sourced from the Cabinet Office ethics team, indicated that Mandelson's friendship with Epstein persisted even after Epstein's conviction for soliciting child prostitution.
The implications of this situation are significant, particularly in light of the recent dismissal of Angela Rayner as Starmer's deputy. The Sunday Times suggests that MPs are beginning to doubt Sir Keir's capability to lead them into the next general election, raising concerns about leadership stability within the Labour Party.
As the scrutiny intensifies, Downing Street has reportedly initiated a counter-strategy referred to as Operation Save Keir, according to a Labour Party insider. This comes amidst growing questions about what Sir Keir was aware of regarding Lord Mandelson's past when he made the ambassadorial appointment. The Sunday Telegraph highlights that both the Cabinet Office and the Foreign Office are under examination, alongside Sir Keir himself, regarding the circumstances surrounding Mandelson’s appointment and the perceived delay in addressing the issue.
In other news, the Mail on Sunday reports that Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, may face serious repercussions due to a collection of secret emails exchanged between him and Epstein. These emails are currently being reviewed by the US Congress, with sources indicating they contain both embarrassing and incriminating content. Despite these allegations, Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In a related political narrative, Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, emphasized her commitment to Ukraine during a recent visit to Kyiv. This trip marked her first international engagement in her new role, where she asserted that allowing Russian aggression to go unchecked poses a security threat not just to Europe but also to the UK. "We'll never give up on Ukraine," she affirmed in her statements to the Sunday Mirror.
Meanwhile, the Sunday Telegraph has reported that the first batch of Channel migrants could be deported on flights as early as tomorrow, in line with Sir Keir Starmer's one in, one out deal with France. The paper mentions that additional flights are also scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, with operations believed to be handled by Air France.
