Is Shabana Mahmood Poised to Replace Starmer as UK PM?

The United Kingdom is facing a major political crisis as Prime Minister Keir Starmer comes under intense pressure over his decision to appoint veteran Labour figure Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, despite Mandelson’s past ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The controversy, reignited by newly released US government documents, has triggered calls for Starmer’s resignation from within his own party and raised questions about the future leadership of the Labour government.

Epstein Files Spark Leadership Crisis

Documents released on January 30 appear to suggest that Mandelson shared confidential UK government information with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction. These revelations have prompted UK police to open a formal investigation into possible misconduct in public office. Officers have reportedly raided two properties linked to Mandelson, though no arrest has been made.

Starmer dismissed Mandelson from his ambassadorial role in September, but critics argue the move came too late. The prime minister’s chief of staff and communications director have since resigned, taking responsibility for advising on the controversial appointment.

Despite Downing Street insisting that Starmer intends to serve his full five-year mandate, pressure continues to mount.

Labour Divisions Deepen

The most serious blow came from Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour and a key Starmer ally, who publicly called for the prime minister to step down.

“The distraction needs to end, and the leadership in Downing Street has to change,” Sarwar said, becoming the most senior Labour figure to openly challenge Starmer’s position.

Shabana Mahmood Emerges as Leading Successor

As speculation over Starmer’s future intensifies, attention has turned to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who is widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed him should a leadership contest take place.

If appointed, Mahmood would make history as the United Kingdom’s first Muslim prime minister.

Who Is Shabana Mahmood?

Born on 17 September 1980 in Birmingham, Mahmood comes from a British Pakistani family with roots in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. She spent her early childhood in Saudi Arabia before returning to the UK for her education.

She attended Small Heath School and King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, later studying law at Lincoln College, Oxford. After qualifying as a barrister, she worked at leading legal chambers including 12 King’s Bench Walk.

Elected in 2010 as MP for Birmingham Ladywood, Mahmood became one of the UK’s first female Muslim members of Parliament. Over the years, she held several senior opposition roles, including Shadow Minister for Prisons, Shadow Minister for Higher Education, and Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

She entered the Shadow Cabinet in 2015 but resigned later that year after disagreeing with the leadership direction under Jeremy Corbyn.

From Justice Secretary to Home Secretary

Following Labour’s victory in the 2024 general election, Mahmood was appointed Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor. She became Home Secretary in 2025 after Angela Rayner stepped down from the role.

As Home Secretary, Mahmood oversees immigration, policing, and national security—one of the most demanding portfolios in government. Her firm stance on border control and illegal immigration has earned her support from the right wing of the Labour Party and increased her credibility as a potential national leader.

What Happens Next?

With investigations into Mandelson ongoing and Labour unity under strain, the coming weeks could prove decisive for Starmer’s premiership. While Downing Street maintains that the prime minister will remain in office, internal pressure suggests the UK may soon witness a dramatic shift in leadership.

If events continue to escalate, Shabana Mahmood’s rise could mark a historic turning point in British politics.