Daily Politics from the New Statesman Labour MPs are turning on Starmer over Mandelson
Feb 5, 2026
Megan Kenyon, political correspondent at the New Statesman who covers Labour and Westminster, walks through the Mandelson–Epstein controversy. She describes how Commons pressure forced document releases. She outlines who knew what in vetting papers. She explains rising backbench anger, Angela Rayner’s intervention, and whether MPs can organize a rebellion.
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Vetting Files Compelled By Parliament
- The Commons forced release of Mandelson vetting files after initial government resistance.
- MPs saw the amendment as a necessary fix to perceived secrecy and cover-up.
Who Knew What And When
- The key question is who knew what and when about Mandelson's Epstein links and the appointment process.
- The documents should clarify whether Mandelson or others misled Number 10.
Character Shapes Credibility
- Many Labour MPs distrust Peter Mandelson's character and sceptically view Number 10's defence.
- MPs question how Starmer could have had 'no reason' to think Mandelson lied given his reputation.
