Political turmoil in UK: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing one of the most serious challenges of his tenure, following the revelation of former UK Ambassador Peter Mandelson’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer’s leadership is under scrutiny, and calls for his resignation are rising within his own Labour Party.
Amidst this political turmoil, attention is turning to potential successors—most prominently Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, a rising star in the Labour Party who, if she successfully contests the leadership, could become the UK’s first Muslim Prime Minister.
Starmer under pressure
Starmer, who was elected with a landslide in July 2024, appointed Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite his ties to Epstein. Recently released emails revealing that Mandelson passed sensitive government information to Epstein have sparked anger within the party and the public. Starmer has apologised for his misdirection, but pressure is mounting for him to step down.
According to Labour Party rules, leadership contenders must secure the nomination of 20% of MPs—that is, 81 colleagues—making immediate removal difficult. Meanwhile, upcoming local elections and a special parliamentary election in Gorton and Denton could influence the timing of any leadership challenge.
Who is Shabana Mahmood?
Shabana Mahmood, 45, has served as Home Secretary since 2025 and previously served as Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, implementing high-level policies on prison reform, immigration, and policing. A barrister by profession, Mahmood represents Birmingham Ladywood in Parliament and belongs to the socially conservative Blue Labour faction.
Early Life and Career
Born in Birmingham to Pakistani parents, Mahmood spent part of her childhood in Saudi Arabia before returning to the UK. She studied law at Lincoln College, Oxford, and became a barrister, specialising in professional indemnity law, before entering politics.
Political Career
Mahmood was first elected to Parliament in 2010, becoming one of the UK’s first female Muslim MPs. She has held various Shadow Cabinet positions, including Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, Shadow Chief Secretary for the Treasury, and National Campaign Coordinator.
Government Leadership Roles
After being appointed Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary in 2024, Mahmood implemented early prisoner release programs to ease overcrowding and led responses to civil unrest.
As Home Secretary from 2025, she has taken a tough stance on immigration, implemented landmark refugee reforms, and led the UK’s largest-scale implementation of live facial recognition technology in policing.
(With agency input)