Britain’s PM Keir Starmer’s leadership under pressure
Peter Mandelson is facing demands to return the compensation he received, which could run into tens of thousands of pounds, after he was sacked as Britain’s ambassador to the United States.
His British counterpart was sacked over his relationship with pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, but anger in Westminster intensified after the publication of recent documents showing he leaked information to his friend while he was a government minister.
Labor Allies Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his counterpart should return taxpayer-funded aid or donate it to a victims’ charity.
The State Department said an investigation had been launched “in light of additional information that has now emerged.”
His taxpayer-funded income after he was sacked in September last year could be as high as 55,000 stg ($106,780) before tax and deductions, the Sunday Times reported.
Starmer is fighting for his future amid questions over his decision to appoint Mandelson to the post.
Full details of Mandelson’s earnings, who was expelled after just seven months in his Washington post, will be revealed to parliament after MPs backed calls for documents relating to his time in government to be released.
However, the Sunday Times suggested the figure could be between 38,750 stg ($75,232) and 55,000 stg ($106,780).
A No 10 source told the Press Association: “From what we know now, Mandelson must either repay the money or give it to a charity to support the victims.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Starmer’s potential successor, said Mandelson should “absolutely” return the money.
The Metropolitan Police said its investigation into Mandelson, 72, into alleged misconduct in public office “will take some time” after officers finish searching his homes.
The damage done to Starmer’s position by the Mandelson debate has fueled speculation about a possible leadership race.
A poll by Opinium showed that more than half of British voters, 55 per cent, thought Starmer should leave the Labor leadership, while only 23 per cent thought he should stay.
