The Daily T 'Hanging by a thread': Labour MP torches Starmer in Mandelson backlash
Feb 5, 2026
Andy McDonald, Middlesbrough MP and Labour backbencher, rails against Peter Mandelson’s influence and questions party direction. He criticises Keir Starmer’s handling of the Mandelson–Epstein documents. Conversations cover restricted document release, concerns about security and foreign links, and warnings that Starmer’s leadership is precarious.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Starmer's Victim Framing Backfires
- Keir Starmer attempted to reposition himself as a victim after being caught admitting knowledge of Mandelson's ties to Epstein.
- Presenters argued this pivot undermined his moral authority and failed to placate MPs and the public.
Document Restriction Fueled The Rebellion
- MPs reacted strongly to Number 10's attempted restriction of Mandelson vetting documents, seeing it as a cover-up.
- That move, more than the allegations themselves, appears to have turned sceptical colleagues against the Prime Minister.
Warnings About Mandelson Were Known Abroad
- Concerns about Mandelson predated the appointment, including US officials raising alarms about his Epstein links.
- Those warnings reportedly reached Number 10 yet were not treated with sufficient seriousness.