Andrew Neil predicted that a Labor defeat in a crunch upcoming by-election would be the “final nail in the coffin” for Sir Keir Starmer. The broadcaster warned the Lord Mandelson scandal “will not play well” in the ballot in Gorton and Denton.
The Times Radio host and right-wing commentator also said he believes Sir Keir's position could not be shored up by sacking his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. In a post on X, he said: “Some Labor ministers are urging Keir Starmer to fire his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, tonight – 'to save his premiership'. McSweeney certainly pushed Mandelson's case to be ambassador to the US.
“But I think Starmer's plight is way beyond being turned round by making McSweeney the sacrificial lamb.
“The Mandelson scandal only reinforces what many voters think of our governing class. It will not play well in the Gorton and Denton by-election on February 26, which must now be on track to lose.
“And if Starmer is still around as PM for that result, defeat would surely be the final nail in his political coffin.
“Labour MPs can already be heard muttering ruefully – 'he chose Mandelson for Washington but stopped Andy Burnham from running in Gorton!'”
Meanwhile, commentator Andrew Marr said he thinks it is the endgame for the embattled Prime Minister, who has faced ongoing questions over his leadership as Labor has plummeted in polls.
Speaking on his LBC show, Mr Marr said: “But listening to furious, disillusioned Labor MPs and reflecting on his frankly unconvincing performance earlier this afternoon on the Mandelson affair, it feels as if we have reached a tipping point.
“Too many misjudgments. Too much authority lost. Too little direction. I really see no way back. That's a solemn thing to say because, of course, we can't know what might follow.
“What about Ukraine? What about the bond markets? What about relations with Trump? I know, I know, I know. But politics is about authority and direction.”
It comes as Sir Keir was forced into a U-turn over his handling of the Lord Mandelson row in another blow to his authority today.