Newscast — “What Starmer Does Next”

Date: February 8, 2026
Hosts: Laura Kuenssberg, Paddy O’Connell, Joe Pike
Main Guests: David Blunkett, Pat McFadden, Steve Wright (Fire Brigades Union)

Episode Overview

This gripping episode of Newscast centres on the political crisis enveloping UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in early 2026, examining his weakened authority, battles inside the Labour Party, and the fallout from the Peter Mandelson scandal. The hosts and BBC political reporters break down the dilemma facing Starmer—Can he go on as Prime Minister, and if so, for how long?—while delving into party intrigue, leadership speculation, damage control efforts, and the wider public’s view of the recent events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Central Question: Starmer’s Authority in Crisis

• The main thread running through this episode is whether Keir Starmer can (or should) continue as Prime Minister in the wake of escalating party turmoil and public backlash.
• Laura Kuenssberg sets the tone:

  "We are really discussing, as you were discussing on the radio this morning and as we were discussing on the TV, one central question. Can Keir Starmer go on? And if he can, for how long?" (00:50)

2. Call for Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney’s Removal

• Senior Labour figure David Blunkett publicly calls for Starmer to sack his Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney—a move that would signal reform and possibly stabilise party morale.
• Blunkett’s rationale:

  “He needs a new Chief of Staff. He needs an opening up of the roots to him so that people can reach him... Everybody’s running around like headless chickens as though there’s only one answer and it’s supposedly to get rid of the Prime Minister. What about all of us pulling together?” (02:27)

• The hosts note the risks and downsides, since McSweeney is viewed as “Starmer’s political brain.” Sacking him could destabilise leadership further, but keeping him risks alienating disgruntled MPs.

3. Evaluating McSweeney’s Track Record vs. Political Necessity

• Discussions point out McSweeney’s instrumental role in defusing controversial interventions (from Donald Trump), party machinery control, and blocking problematic by-elections.
• Laura Kuenssberg:

  “If Andy Burnham was standing in a by-election in two weeks’ time, we would be having a very, very different conversation this weekend.” (05:11)

• The role of the Chief of Staff as a “lightning rod” for public discontent is debated, highlighting the political practice of sacrificing close advisors in times of scandal.

4. Resistance Within Labour & Divided Opinions

• Pat McFadden—seen as a Starmer ally—rebuffs the idea that turfing out staff will fix deeper problems, emphasising the need for government continuity:

  “I see no point in that whatsoever. I don’t think that would make any difference at all... The Prime Minister should continue with what he’s doing.” (07:17)

• The private mood among Labour MPs is reportedly grim, with a growing number believing Starmer is “finished” and should be replaced. Yet, open mutiny is still limited, with only a handful on the record calling for change.

5. The Peter Mandelson Scandal & Its Fallout

• A key driver of the crisis is the public outcry over Starmer’s decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, who was later exposed in connection with Jeffrey Epstein.
• The discussion explores the generational divide in Labour—New Labour architects vs. the contemporary party—and the reputational damage for Starmer and his allies.
• Memorable line:

  “The dirty laundry is being washed all over between what the Labour Party actually is.” (10:47)

6. Leadership Speculation and Rival Factions

• Scrutiny falls on potential successors: Andy Burnham (not in Parliament), Angela Rayner (tax affair cloud), Wes Streeting (tainted by Mandelson ties).
• The hosts explain the rebirth of the party’s old left vs. right divides and the sense of horror at the prospect of a bitter, factional leadership contest.
• Notable observation:

  “The consensus right now... is that Keir Starmer is not going to be the person that leads them into the general election.” (12:36)

7. Union Pressure and Labour’s Broader ‘Family’

• Steve Wright, leader of the Fire Brigades Union (Labour-affiliated), becomes the first union head to openly state Starmer should be replaced:

  “I think MPs need to be calling for that... I think everybody’s thinking it and people are just not saying it at the moment.” (18:06)

8. The Importance of Political ‘Judgement’

• Discussion pivots to whether Starmer should have foreseen the Mandelson problem; blame versus responsibility.
• Kuenssberg summarises the public’s view:

  “This is about the Prime Minister’s judgment and that’s why this is so damaging, because the opposition parties can say, look, all the clues are there. There were loads of red flags and you just didn’t look hard enough.” (21:14)

9. Comparisons to Previous Scandals

• The hosts compare “Mandy-gate” to Partygate, noting the differences:
  • Starmer’s scandal is about a catastrophic error of judgement, not illegality or lying (per Joe Pike, 24:26).
  • The reputational stakes are arguably even higher, given Starmer’s reputation as “Mr Rules” and previous attacks on Conservative sleaze.

10. Political Fallout: The Role of Opposing Parties & Media

• Kemi Badenoch (Conservative Opposition Leader) is seen as skilfully leveraging the scandal, notably during PMQs.
• The Labour government’s communications crisis is laid bare, as is the media’s role in amplifying or contextualising the scandal.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• David Blunkett: “Whenever there’s been a major crisis for a Prime Minister… there’s had to be a rethink as to what’s gone wrong. …If people continue to give you the wrong advice or you’re listening to the wrong people, then you can do something about it.” (03:03)
• Pat McFadden:
  “To call for changes of staff, I’ve seen this before—I don’t think it makes a difference.” (07:17)
• Steve Wright (FBU):
  “We’re not seeing [change], we’re just seeing a continuation of what happened before, and I think that needs to be a leadership change.” (17:50)
• Laura Kuenssberg:
  “The public were told by Keir Starmer for years that if they voted for him…the politics would be different. And you can hear the frustration in David Blunkett—he’s almost like a sort of head teacher there, isn’t he? Saying, for goodness’ sake, how many times do I have to tell you?” (20:54)
• Joe Pike:
  “After this week... is Wes Streeting in a far worse position [to lead]? If you’re going to see a sort of leadership debate after the May elections, that friendship is going to be brought up…and that’s very difficult for him to handle.” (13:31)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Keir Starmer’s Authority in Crisis: 00:44–01:05
• Blunkett Calls for McSweeney’s Removal: 02:01–03:52
• McSweeney’s Record/Fraud vs. Necessity: 04:48–06:12
• Labour MPs’ Discontent and McFadden Interview: 07:17–10:01
• Labour Party Factionalism & Leadership Jostling: 10:47–14:13
• The Union Angle—FBU’s Steve Wright: 17:50–18:36
• Public’s Focus on Starmer’s Judgment: 21:14–22:11
• Scandal, Media and Political Fallout: 22:34–24:26
• Comparisons to Partygate: 25:32–27:12
• Kemi Badenoch’s Political Gains: 27:31–29:24

Tone & Style

The episode is sharply analytical, infused with wry observation and the candid, conversational tone that Newscast is known for. Hosts alternate between political “inside baseball,” public sentiment, and the implications for Westminster’s upcoming turbulence.

Summary for Non-Listeners

If you missed it: “What Starmer Does Next” is a vital listen for anyone tracking the high-wire drama in British politics. The hosts unpack why Starmer’s premiership is at a breaking point, what options and risks he faces, and why his party is so bitterly split over what to do next. From the fallout of the Mandelson scandal to raw party infighting and the looming shadow of a leadership contest, the episode explains why the future of Labour—and Starmer himself—hangs in the balance.

Key takeaways? Keir Starmer’s “new politics” pledge is colliding with Westminster’s oldest problems: scandal, party splits, and leadership ambition. It’s anyone’s guess what the next chapter holds, but this episode leaves you primed for the twists yet to come.