Harman Issues Stark Warning Over Mandelson Appointment Fallout
Baroness Harriet Harman, the former deputy Labour leader, has delivered a grave warning that the ongoing controversy surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador could lead to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's downfall unless immediate and decisive action is taken. In a candid interview, she emphasised that the prime minister has "drifted so far away" from his core values, and a fundamental reset is essential for his political survival.
Growing Anger Within Labour Party
The warning comes amid escalating discontent within the Labour Party over Sir Keir's initial stance against releasing documents related to Lord Mandelson's vetting and appointment process. This position prompted a public reversal in the House of Commons, highlighting the deepening crisis. Baroness Harman stressed that the situation is "so serious" for the prime minister, though she noted it is not inevitable that it will end his tenure if he addresses the issues head-on.
Calls for Accountability and Reset
Speaking on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Baroness Harman called for Sir Keir's chief-of-staff, Morgan McSweeney, to step down if he was instrumental in the appointment. She argued that blaming Lord Mandelson for misleading the prime minister portrays Sir Keir as "weak and naive", rather than addressing the root cause: the poor judgement in considering such a controversial figure. Instead, she urged Sir Keir to reflect on why the appointment was made and to realign his team in Number 10 with his stated principles.
Baroness Harman outlined key actions for the prime minister:
- Cease blaming Lord Mandelson and acknowledge the error in judgement.
- Implement a real reset in Downing Street to ensure advisors share his values.
- Return to the Labour manifesto promises, particularly on cleaning up politics and tackling violence against women and girls.
Values at Stake in Government Leadership
Reflecting on Sir Keir's past as Director of Public Prosecutions, Baroness Harman expressed disappointment, noting he was known for standing up for human rights, victims, and decency. She highlighted the contradiction in appointing Lord Mandelson, often dubbed the "Prince of Darkness", which she believes undermines the government's credibility. By taking these steps, she asserted, Sir Keir could regain the confidence of Labour backbenchers, parliament, and the public, but failure to act risks the scandal overshadowing his leadership.
