Starmer in a spin as the ‘Dark Lord’ bites the dust
Political Fix12 Sep 2025

Starmer in a spin as the ‘Dark Lord’ bites the dust

After the toe-curling revelations about Lord Peter Mandelson’s connections with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the ambassador’s departure seemed inevitable to all - with the exception of some in Downing Street. Questions about the speed of his sacking, what Sir Keir Starmer knew and why the New Labour grandee was hired in the first place will plague the prime minister as he prepares for US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit. Host George Parker is joined by FT columnist Stephen Bush, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to discuss the political fallout for the PM and look ahead at the two-horse race to replace deputy Labour party leader Angela Rayner.


Want more?:

Labour MPs are increasingly doubting Keir Starmer’s leadership

Why the Mandelson affair raises questions about Starmer’s judgment

Exit Mandelson — but not Number 10’s problems

Peter Mandelson’s back: the Prince of Darkness returns

Bridget Phillipson faces Lucy Powell in final stage of Labour deputy leader race


Follow George on Bluesky @georgewparker.bsky.social and on X at @GeorgeWParker; Jim @PickardJE, Stephen @stephenkb and Miranda on @greenmiranda


Sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOffer


Political Fix is presented by George Parker and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting head of audio is Manuela Saragosa.


CLIPS: Parliament TV


Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episoder(574)

Article 50 moves forward and the coup attempt against John Bercow

Article 50 moves forward and the coup attempt against John Bercow

With Jim Pickard, Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Henry Mance. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 Feb 201727min

A big week for Brexit and the Lib Dem fight-back

A big week for Brexit and the Lib Dem fight-back

With George Parker, Philip Stephens, Henry Mance and Miranda Green of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 Feb 201725min

Theresa May goes to Washington and Labour's by-election challenges

Theresa May goes to Washington and Labour's by-election challenges

With Janan Ganesh, Gideon Rachman and Andrew Bounds from the Financial Times, plus Matt Singh of Number Crunch Politics. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

28 Jan 201726min

The Supreme Court decision on Article 50

The Supreme Court decision on Article 50

With the FT's legal correspondent Jane Croft and legal commentator David Allen Green. Presented by Sebastian Payne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24 Jan 201714min

May's big Brexit moment and Trump's arrival on the world stage

May's big Brexit moment and Trump's arrival on the world stage

With George Parker, Philip Stephens, Jim Pickard and Brooke Masters of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 Jan 201729min

NHS trouble for May and Corbyn trips on immigration

NHS trouble for May and Corbyn trips on immigration

With the FT's Philip Stephens, Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Kate Allen. Presented by Sebastian Payne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 Jan 201730min

Goodbye Sir Ivan, hello Sir Tim

Goodbye Sir Ivan, hello Sir Tim

With Alex Barker, James Blitz and Daniel Dombey of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 Jan 201729min

2016 politics review

2016 politics review

With Gillian Tett, Martin Wolf, George Parker and Henry Mance. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24 Des 201652min

Populært innen Politikk og nyheter

giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
aftenpodden-usa
i-retten
stopp-verden
forklart
popradet
nokon-ma-ga
dine-penger-pengeradet
det-store-bildet
fotballpodden-2
rss-gukild-johaug
aftenbla-bla
hanna-de-heldige
rss-ness
bt-dokumentar-2
e24-podden
frokostshowet-pa-p5
rss-dannet-uten-piano
rss-penger-polser-og-politikk