Starmer: A crisis that can be overcome (if given time)
Lord Mandelson has been sacked as US Ambassador following revelations of his close association with Jeffrey Epstein after his conviction for sex offences, which leaves Sir Kier Starmer fighting for his political future. Can he regain his reputation and political standing?
He has to go! This is what many commentators and opponents to the Prime Minister are saying right now. The reputational crisis facing Sir Keir Starmer over his handling of Peter Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein is significant both from a reputation perspective and in terms of it being politically stabilising. Can the PM survive and regain both trust and reputation? It is a huge mountain to climb, but not an insurmountable one.
The Mandelson saga, and with it evidence that shows the PM was aware of the now-former US Ambassador’s association with – and support of – the most prolific sex offender in our time after his conviction, is concerning. It points to a PM lacking in judgement.
The reaction to the scandal has been one of universal condemnation. The media are baying for Starmer’s blood, while the public appears angered by the PM’s initial support for Mandelson who it sees as being tone deaf and utterly reckless. Both, in my view, are fully justified. The question is what does Starmer do now?
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Public trust has been eroded, and so too has that of the Labour Party itself. Some are frustrated by the whole affair; others are seemingly plotting a leadership challenge with that old Labour favourite Andy Burnham tipped to replace Starmer. He can, however, recover from this and reposition himself as the leader that the electorate bought into on 4th July 2024.
It will not be easy to achieve this. With mounting internal and external pressure, Starmer will need to act fast and decisively to regain the confidence of the Party and the electorate.
1. Independent inquiry
He could instigate an independent inquiry into the vetting process of ministers and diplomats and implement its recommendations. This needs to be done now and the changes put in place in the next few weeks whilst this scandal remains fresh in people’s minds. This will demonstrate accountability, decisiveness, and a commitment to transparency.
2. Rearrange the deckchairs
Heads will need to roll. If perceived as weak and ill-advised, Starmer needs to rearrange change the make-up of his advisory team. This could go a long way to calm internal dissent and show himself to be a decisive leader.
3. Sorry, sorry, sorry
A public apology is essential. People say that he is weak, but strong leaders are prepared to admit and publicly acknowledge when they are wrong and that the decisions they took were in the best interests of the country. That is a line former US President Bill Clinton who vehemently defends it to this day.
From decline to shine
As unpleasant it may be, this scandal is an opportunity for Starmer to rebuild internal unity and reaffirm Labour’s commitment to integrity and justice. This could help reconnect the Party with disillusioned voters and become the making of Starmer’s premiership.
At a time when the country is crying out for decisive, dynamic, and energising leadership Starmer can provide a show of strength that can remedy the economic and social challenges the UK is currently facing.
He could also benefit from having a more effective communications advisor – not necessarily along the lines of Alastair Campbell but someone capable of clearly communicating ‘what’ he is all about and ‘how’ he will deliver the change that so many people who voted him in so desperately want to see.
Crisis can strike at any time. If you need strategic advice to ensure you emerge from a crisis that is affecting your organisation’s reputation, get in touch today.
