Neil: Starmer's a dead man walking amid zombie Labour risk
Source: dailymail.com
TL;DR
- Starmer's Mandelson Push: Andrew Neil argues Keir Starmer forced Peter Mandelson's US ambassador appointment despite vetting risks and scandals.
- Vetting Scandal: Starmer ignored Cabinet Secretary Simon Case's November 2024 advice, with Morgan McSweeney pressuring officials to proceed.
- Zombie Government Risk: Labour's reluctance to oust Starmer could leave the UK with a lame-duck administration until elections.
The story at a glance
Andrew Neil's column claims Prime Minister Keir Starmer is politically finished after pushing controversial US ambassador Peter Mandelson past vetting hurdles amid his Epstein and oligarch ties. Key figures include Mandelson, fixer Oliver Robbins, and enforcer Morgan McSweeney, who pressured officials under Starmer's direction. This is reported now amid Labour's post-Budget woes and looming May 7 local elections wipeout. Starmer won power in July 2024 promising integrity but faces cronyism charges.
Key points
- Starmer insisted on Mandelson despite his past resignations over dodgy dealings, Epstein links, Russian oligarchs, and Chinese connections.
- Cabinet Secretary Simon Case advised against the role in November 2024; Starmer dismissed it and proceeded in December with a vetting fudge leaving no paper trail.
- Morgan McSweeney told officials to "just f*g do it"; Oliver Robbins faced constant Downing Street pressure.
- Starmer also backed Matthew Doyle for ambassador despite his paedophile associations, bypassing Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
- Neil predicts a worse drubbing in May 7 elections; Labour lacks viable alternatives and history of swift leader removals.
- Risks include national security from Mandelson's access to classified US-UK intel amid global conflicts.
Details and context
Starmer overrode standard procedures after Case flagged Mandelson's unsuitability, using Robbins to handle a no-paper-trail workaround. This broke Starmer's pre-election pledge to end Tory cronyism, with Neil highlighting similar Doyle favoritism. The scandal compounds Budget fallout from Rachel Reeves, eroding Starmer's foreign policy wins like Trump ties.
Labour ministers sense the end, but party inertia—unlike Tory quick oustings—may prop up Starmer. Neil calls this a "zombie government," ineffective yet enduring, turning 2024's reform promises into a horror story.
Key quotes
- Morgan McSweeney to officials: "just f*g do it."
- Starmer in Commons: found it "incredible" not to be alerted to issues, despite ignoring advice.
Why it matters
Starmer's scandals undermine trust in Labour's integrity pledges, risking UK-US intelligence ties and foreign policy at a tense time with Gulf conflicts and Ukraine. Readers face prolonged policy paralysis from a weakened government unable to act decisively on economy or security. Watch May 7 election results and any leadership manoeuvres, though Labour's track record suggests Starmer hangs on.
FAQ
Q: Why did Starmer push Mandelson for US ambassador?
A: Starmer was determined on the role despite Mandelson's scandal history including Epstein and oligarch links. He ignored Simon Case's November 2024 vetting block and pressured Oliver Robbins to fudge the process without a paper trail. The appointment got King's approval and US agreement in December 2024.
Q: What pressure tactics did Starmer's team use?
A: Morgan McSweeney told predecessors to "just f*g do it" amid constant Downing Street demands on Robbins. Starmer took a dismissive approach to vetting concerns from the Cabinet Office. This allowed Mandelson access to classified briefings.
Q: How does this compare to Starmer's other crony moves?
A: Starmer pressed Matthew Doyle for ambassador despite paedophile associations and reputational risks, done behind David Lammy's back. Neil sees both as breaking anti-cronyism promises from July 2024. Starmer sacrificed allies to limit personal damage.
Q: What makes Labour unlikely to remove Starmer?
A: Neil argues alternatives like Ed Miliband are worse; Labour lacks the Tories' habit of quick leader dumps. Post-Budget, air is escaping fast but party inertia points to a zombie government. May 7 elections loom with predicted wipeout.