Mandelson: Starmer’s original sin comes back to haunt him

Mandelson: Starmer’s original sin comes back to haunt him

From The State of It by The Times

April 28, 2026 · 35 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of Peter Mandelson's past and its impact on Keir Starmer's leadership in the Labour Party.

Morgan McSweeney has told MPs that the revelations about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein were like a knife through his soul. The more we learn about the appointment process, the madder it sounds. And the odd thing is that crucial decisions were not written down: there are no receipts. There's a mood building in the Labour Party that Keir Starmer will need to go big or go home: come up with a bold agenda, make the case for it and then deliver it. Has he got it in him? And how far to the left will he take the government? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe  here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Steven Swinford

Guests: Patrick Maguire, Lara Spirit

Topics covered

  • Labour Party
  • Keir Starmer
  • political strategy
  • Mandelson
  • Epstein
  • government decisions

Keywords

  • Mandelson
  • Starmer
  • Labour Party
  • politics
  • Epstein
  • government
  • political strategy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Times, The Sunday Times

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