Starmer facing leadership questions after Mandelson sacking5 hours ago Share Save Sam Francis political reporter , Chris Mason political editor and Henry Zeffman chief political correspondent Share SaveGetty ImagesSir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure from within the Labour party over his handling of the sacking of the US ambassador Peter Mandelson. His words echoed a weekend of briefing by Labour MPs in public and in private questioning Sir Keir's leadership. Labour MP Helen Hayes told BBC Radio 4's The Westminster Hour on Sunday that if the sacking were to affect the party's chances in the May 2026 local elections, there would be questions about Sir Keir's leadership. Downing Street have already stressed that the prime minister only knew the contents of the emails on Wednesday evening and acted swiftly, sacking Mandelson within hours. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey has warned Sir Keir's leadership is "hanging by a thread" and demanded the prime minister explain Mandelson's appointment in parliament.