Keir Starmer has vowed not to quit, insisting he will continue “delivering for our country” despite mounting pressure over the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson. The Prime Minister made the remarks during Prime Minister’s Questions after the opposition leader challenged him to “take responsibility and go” following the row.

The dispute erupted after claims from a former official alleged that Downing Street pressured civil servants to approve Mandelson’s appointment as UK envoy to Washington while downplaying potential security concerns. The government denied the allegations, but the issue intensified after Starmer ultimately dismissed Mandelson over his past links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

During the emergency debate, the head of the Conservative rightwing opposition party Kemi Badenoch urged Labour MPs to hold a vote of no confidence in Starmer.

Also Speaking in Parliament, Starmer defended his actions and rejected calls to resign, arguing that his priority remains governing effectively. He maintained that the decision to remove Mandelson demonstrated accountability, while opposition figures continued to question the judgment behind the initial appointment and handling of the matter.