Starmer's Fate Hangs on Elections After Mandelson Scandal

0:00On April 22nd, labor MPs are in deep debate right now. Not of Prime Minister Keir Starmer will resign, but win. The latest blow came from Sir Olly Robbins, who testified that Downing Street pushed him hard to clear Peter Mendelssohn for a top security role, even. After vetting failed, Starmer claims he was furious and not told about the vetting flop, but one senior MP says that if he gave strict orders to make it happen anyway, he's clearly not running the show. Another called the treatment of Robbins straight up disgraceful from number 10. Backbentures are buzzing with anger, predicting a push if local elections tank next month. Scottish labor leader Anasarwar says too many missteps have hit a tipping point with this scandal, while MP Sarah Champion emits voters just don't. Like Starmer personally, beyond this mess, under party rules it takes 80 MPs, 20% to trigger a leadership challenge by backing one rival, but most hope Starmer sees the writing on the wall and steps aside voluntarily without forcing signatures or drama.

1:04Eyes are locked on those local elections as the real test. Whatever shakes out there could seal his fate or buy him time to regroup.