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Chris Mason: A grim week for Starmer – but things could be about to get worse
The article portrays a week of deteriorating mood around Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer after a Guardian probe into Lord Mandelson's security vetting. It notes ministers publicly questioning the prime minister's authority, cabinet tensions over civil service relations, and internal leadership doubts as Labour heads into local and regional elections.
Why It Matters
The piece highlights growing internal pressure on Labour's leadership as it faces local and national elections, with potential leadership contest considerations that could affect UK politics.
Timeline
7 Events
April 24, 2026: Elections referenced as a leadership test
April 24, 2026
The article notes upcoming elections in Scotland, Wales and many English local authorities in the following week, which could influence Labour leadership prospects.
April 24, 2026: New Statesman weighs in on leadership
April 24, 2026
The New Statesman, via editor Tom McTague, argued: 'The clamour is growing: he cannot do the job.'
April 23, 2026: Cabinet meeting raises Civil Service concerns
April 23, 2026
In the cabinet meeting, ministers indicated concern about the government's relationship with the Civil Service following the removal of Sir Olly Robbins from the Foreign Office.
April 23, 2026: Cooper aghast at ambassadorship plan
April 23, 2026
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper publicly expressed aghast at No 10's plan to appoint Lord Doyle as an ambassador.
April 23, 2026: McFadden distances from ambassadorship plan
April 23, 2026
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden publicly distanced himself from No 10's plan to hawk Lord Doyle, the former director of communications, for an ambassadorial role.
April 16, 2026: Mandelson security vetting story dropped
April 16, 2026
The Guardian published a report on Lord Mandelson's security vetting, which the piece notes had dropped mid-afternoon.
February 2026: Miliband precipice remark and PM's setback
February 2026
The article references a February moment described as a prime ministerial near-death experience and Ed Miliband's comment that Labour 'looked over the precipice,' contributing to concerns about Starmer's leadership.