Starmer out? — be careful what you wish for
From Quite right! by The Spectator
April 21, 2026 · 40 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the implications of the Mandelson controversy on Keir Starmer's leadership and potential successors amidst local elections.
This week: the Mandelson row deepens – and a bigger question about Keir Starmer’s judgment and authority. After a bruising appearance from Olly Robbins at the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael and Madeline ask whether the Prime Minister’s defence still holds and assess the weaknesses this whole debacle has exposed in Keir Starmer. For example, why did he want Mandelson to be US Ambassador in the first place, given the numerous red flags and the fact that – as Michael suggests – he doesn’t particularly like Mandelson or his style of operating? They also discuss whether this will end up being a resigning issue – and, if Starmer does go, what comes next? With potential successors circling and the local elections looming, would removing him would solve the problem or make it worse? Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Hosts: Michael, Madeline
Topics covered
- Keir Starmer
- political judgment
- Mandelson controversy
- UK politics
- resignation speculation
- local elections
Keywords
- Keir Starmer
- Mandelson
- politics
- resignation
- local elections
- Olly Robbins
- judgment
Sponsors
Spectator
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Foreign Affairs Committee
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