Businesses should prepare for a post-Starmer future

Oliver Dean | 5th February 2026 | Comment
10 Downing Street will soon have a new occupant
10 Downing Street will soon have a new occupant

Starmer's position is unquestionably weak, and businesses would do well to prepare for his eventual ousting, argues Oliver Dean

To say that Starmer is in a bad position would be to undersell the situation. His leadership has been shaky for some time, with rumours of leadership challenges becoming commonplace in Westminster. The Prime Minister’s recent spat with Burnham, has not helped matters. Whilst viewed by some as the NEC’s decision rather than Starmer’s personally, such bickering has only added to the Prime Minister’s woes. Were the situation not bad enough, the new revelations surrounding Mandelson and Epstein may well turn out to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. Speaking at the despatch box during Prime Minister’s questions on Wednesday, Starmer admitted that he was aware of Mandelson’s links to Epstein following his conviction, and yet appointed him to the position of Ambassador nevertheless. It was an admission that could prove to be fatal, with many waiting in the wings to replace the Prime Minister. Yet, perhaps one of the more interesting roots of the Prime Minister’s troubles is Mandelson’...

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