Who is Shabana Mahmood? UK’s first possible Muslim PM as Epstein-Mandelson scandal ignites crisis for Starmer | World News

The new Epstein scandal has not shaken the US government, but it has sparked calls for the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Labor MP and current Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood is emerging as a potential successor. Newly released Jeffrey Epstein files reveal ties between the convicted sex offender and Peter Mandelson, Starmer’s pick as the UK’s ambassador to Washington, sending the British government into crisis.

Emails and documents reveal Mandelson remained in contact with Epstein after his conviction in 2008, even calling him his “best friend” and suggesting his prison sentence was unfair. Mandelson reportedly offered private villas for Epstein’s ‘guests’ and may have leaked sensitive information such as the UK government’s euro rescue plans while receiving payments linked to Epstein.

New 2026 US Justice Department filings showed deeper ties, including Mandelson’s lobbying of US banks for Epstein, which Downing Street held for days before firing him in 2025.

Police raided properties linked to Mandelson in February 2026 due to abuse investigations. As Starmer’s Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned amid the chaos, the demand for Starmer’s resignation increased even more.

Who is Shabana Mahmood?

Shabana Mahmood is the UK’s current Home Secretary and a leading Labor Party politician of Pakistani origin, potentially positioning her as a candidate for Prime Minister amid recent political turmoil.

He was born in Birmingham to Zubaida and Mahmood Ahmed, whose family roots trace back to Pakistan and the Mirpur district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Recent reports suggest he is a possible successor to Keir Starmer, which could make him the UK’s first Muslim Prime Minister.

Mahmood stands out as a surprise candidate who has been called the “dark horse”. He has a strict view on immigration. For example, it wants immigrants to wait twice as long, from five to 10 years, before they can gain permanent residence in the UK.

Shabana became one of the first Muslim women to be elected to parliament in 2010, along with Rushanara Ali and Yasmin Qureshi. She previously served as Minister of Justice before being appointed Minister of Internal Affairs in the cabinet reshuffle in 2025, becoming the first Muslim woman in this post.

Mahmood’s rapid rise is due to his tough and strict reputation. Party leaders see these traits as key to winning back voters enticed by Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK.

While demands for Starmer’s resignation are increasing, Keir Starmer must first resign for Shabana Mahmood to become Prime Minister, otherwise he will face a leadership problem.
This fight needs the support of at least 81 Labor MPs, equivalent to 20% of the party’s seats in Parliament.