Political Fix The Mandelson Starmer saga stumbles on
Apr 24, 2026
Jim Pickard, FT deputy political editor, breaks down the Mandelson appointment drama. Anna Gross, FT political correspondent, maps parliamentary reaction and electoral risks. Chris Smyth, FT public policy editor, assesses civil service trust and policy fallout. They unpack vetting failures, party tactics, looming local elections, and debates over energy pricing, deportation plans and booming business degrees.
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Starmer's Response Intensified Leadership Doubts
- Keir Starmer's handling raised leadership questions because he publicly blamed Ollie Robbins, undermining his own case and appearing to bypass process.
- Jim Pickard noted a due-diligence memo existed with clear red flags that made the appointment puzzling.
Opposition Seeks A Thousand Cuts Not One Blow
- The opposition is using sustained pressure rather than a single smoking gun to weaken Starmer, aiming for cumulative political damage.
- Anna Gross said Kemi Baden-Ock seeks procedural probes that could echo the Johnson era misconduct findings.
Labour Backbench Mood Is Depressed And Waiting
- Labour MPs are demoralised and neither defending nor openly attacking Starmer, leaving a stuttering atmosphere in the party.
- Jim Pickard described MPs as 'depressed' and waiting for something to change rather than mobilising.