Starmer fights on as cabinet despairs

Source: newstatesman.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Ailbhe Rea reports that Keir Starmer's cabinet has shifted from defending him to despair over his handling of the Mandelson scandal and the sacking of national security adviser Olly Robbins. Insiders now expect more hearings and disclosures, with many ministers wanting Starmer to agree to step down after Labour's likely losses in the May devolved and local elections. This comes as frontbench figures show unusual candour about the crisis.

Key points

Details and context

The shift follows weeks of scandals, especially Starmer's sacking of Olly Robbins and the ongoing Mandelson story, which one insider says "will never end".[[1]](https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/04/would-keir-starmer-agree-to-step-down-after-may) Cabinet frustration built after frontbenchers like Ed Miliband, Pat McFadden and Yvette Cooper gave unusually blunt answers in public.

Labour expects rejection across regions in the May elections, fuelling calls for an "orderly transition".[[1]](https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/04/would-keir-starmer-agree-to-step-down-after-may) Starmer's allies maintain his defiance, but the piece questions if cabinet momentum will sway him.

Some loyalists remain, and discussions of stepping down are deferred until after polling day to hold the party together.

Key quotes

“the cabinet have given up,” as one adviser puts it.[[1]](https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/04/would-keir-starmer-agree-to-step-down-after-may)

“It will never end,” one insider concludes.[[1]](https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/04/would-keir-starmer-agree-to-step-down-after-may)

Starmer “should be made to set out a timetable for an orderly transition, with a new leader in place for conference”. – Patrick Maguire in the Times[[1]](https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/04/would-keir-starmer-agree-to-step-down-after-may)

Why it matters

The cabinet's despair signals deepening Labour divisions that could paralyse government amid scandals. For party members and MPs, it raises the risk of leadership turmoil post-May, distracting from policy. Watch May election results and any post-poll statements from Starmer or ministers, though his intentions remain unclear.

FAQ

Q: Why has the cabinet given up on Starmer?

A: They are appalled by his judgment in sacking Olly Robbins and believe the Mandelson story will drag on indefinitely with more hearings and disclosures. One adviser said the cabinet have given up. Starmer may face the privileges committee like Boris Johnson.

Q: What do ministers want after the May elections?

A: A critical mass agree Starmer should set out a timetable for an orderly transition, with a new leader by conference. This reflects consensus after expected Labour losses. It draws from a Times column echoed by insiders.

Q: Does Starmer plan to fight on?

A: People close to him say he intends to contest any leadership challenge. This line from Downing Street sources has not changed. But he could shift under pressure from cabinet and party after May.

Q: Why delay any leadership talk until after May?

A: No one wants to undermine candidates in devolved and local elections by destabilising the leadership now. Things must stay on a simmer. Even Starmer critics avoid boiling point pre-poll.

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Ailbhe Rea reports that Keir Starmer's cabinet has shifted from