Keir Starmer 'risks downfall over Mandelson files - as his own MPs fear the worst is yet to come'
Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that revelations over his appointment of Lord Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the US could bring about his downfall.
Sir Keir's own MPs have told him the scandal could lead to his ousting in the same way the "Partygate" scandal led to the end of Boris Johnson's time in No10.
The documents reveal the Prime Minister was aware of clear warnings that Lord Mandelson had maintained close ties with Jeffrey Epstein following his conviction for sex offences in 2008.
But fears are now rising on the Labour benches that more damaging revelations could emerge in "drips" once the remaining documents are published following police investigations.
A senior Labour MP told The i Paper: "I think the assumption amongst Labour MPs was that today the least damaging stuff (would) come out, so there is surprise at what has come out... and how much worse it can (get) - and how quickly.
"This has the prospect of being (what) Covid lockdown rule-breaking was for Boris."
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Kemi Badenoch calls on Labour MPs to OUST 'dishonest' Keir Starmer
Kemi Badenoch has called on Labour backbenchers to oust Sir Keir Starmer, accusing the Prime Minister of having "not been honest with the country".
The Tory leader said Labour MPs must now consider whether Sir Keir is fit to remain in office.
"There are not enough Conservative MPs to remove the Prime Minister - he won a landslide," she said.
"Labour MPs now need to consider their conscience and their position and ask if this man is fit to run our country."
The Tory leader told Sky News that the "only people who can fix this" are Labour backbenchers.
She described the first tranche of the so-called Mandelson files as "yet another indictment of Keir Starmer's judgment".
She added: "The fact is we wouldn't have been paying Peter Mandelson anything if Keir Starmer hadn't appointed him in the first place.
"The vetting we have now seen shows the Prime Minister should never have made this decision.
"He has not been honest with the country and Parliament about what he knew."
RECAP: Labour releases first batch of Peter Mandelson files - six most explosive details revealed
The Labour Government has released the first batch of files relating to the appointment and subsequent dismissal of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington.
In them, details are revealed concerning the circumstances of the New Labour architect’s ejection from Government, his connections to the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and what Sir Keir Starmer knew ahead of giving him the diplomatic role.
Last month, the intense public scrutiny surrounding the scandal led to the PM being nearly ousted, the resignations of top Downing Street staff and the arrest of Lord Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
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