Who Is Shabana Mahmood? Epstein Fallout Puts UK PM in Trouble, Leadership Race Begins

GUWAHATI: The United Kingdom is once again experiencing political instability as questions intensify around the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The controversy has emerged amid renewed public attention on materials related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of Epstein-related files by the United States Department of Justice.

Although no direct allegations have been made against Starmer, the political fallout has coincided with internal Labour Party tensions and scrutiny of recent diplomatic appointments.

Keir Starmer Likely To Resign Amid Epstein Uproar?

On 8 February 2026, Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned after accepting responsibility for the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States. In a public statement, McSweeney acknowledged that the decision was a mistake. The appointment triggered criticism within Labour due to Mandelson’s past associations, which resurfaced amid the broader Epstein-related discourse. Despite McSweeney’s resignation, critics within the party have argued that accountability ultimately rests with the prime minister, further weakening Starmer’s position.

McSweeney's resignation has intensified speculation about Starmer’s future as party leader and prime minister. Several Labour Members of Parliament have expressed concerns over declining public trust and approval ratings. As a result, discussions have begun around potential successors should Starmer resign or face a leadership challenge.

One prominent figure emerging in this context is Shabana Mahmood, the current Home Secretary. Mahmood has been identified by political commentators as a possible unity candidate capable of appealing across ideological factions within the Labour Party.

Who is Shabana Mahmood

Shabana Mahmood has achieved multiple historic milestones in British politics. She is the first Muslim and only the third woman to serve as Lord Chancellor and currently holds the office of Home Secretary, a position she has occupied since 5 September 2025.

Born in Birmingham in 1980 . She studied law at Lincoln College, University of Oxford, before qualifying as a barrister with a specialisation in indemnity law.

Mahmood entered Parliament in 2010 after winning the Birmingham Ladywood constituency with approximately 56% of the vote, becoming one of the first Muslim women elected to the House of Commons. Her influence within the Labour Party grew steadily, and in 2023, she was ranked among the most influential left-leaning political figures in the United Kingdom by The Statesman. She later served as Shadow Secretary of State for Justice under Keir Starmer and played a key role in Labour’s campaign strategy alongside Morgan McSweeney.

In 2024, Mahmood was appointed Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, marking another historic first. She was sworn into the Privy Council in the same year.

Shabana Mahmood Political Positions 

Mahmood has adopted firm positions on immigration policy, frequently characterising the UK immigration system as ineffective. In 2025, she advocated for stricter refugee and visa policies, including the suspension of visas for individuals from Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While these positions garnered support from unexpected quarters, including far-right activists, Mahmood has maintained that her stance is grounded in personal conviction rather than political expediency.

On social issues, she supported the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2013. However, in 2019, she argued that education on LGBTQ topics in schools should be age-appropriate and sensitive to religious backgrounds, with parental involvement considered. This position drew criticism from some members of the Labour Party.

Other Leadership Contenders

Mahmood is not the only figure being discussed as a potential successor to Starmer. Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner remains influential, particularly among the party’s left wing. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is viewed as a prominent media performer, though his association with Mandelson and his views on private sector involvement in the National Health Service have generated internal opposition. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has also been mentioned as a possible consensus candidate, while Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham continues to attract public support, although he would need to re-enter Parliament to pursue the leadership.

What Are Her Chances 

According to UK bookmakers, Shabana Mahmood’s odds of becoming the next prime minister stand at 9/1, translating to an estimated 10% probability. Analysts suggest that her appeal lies in her potential to bridge Labour’s centrist wing with Muslim and minority voters.

Any path to the premiership would require either Starmer’s resignation or a successful leadership challenge, which necessitates nominations from at least 20% of Labour MPs in the House of Commons. Mahmood’s prospects may ultimately depend on public reaction to her immigration policies and her ability to position herself as a stabilising yet decisive alternative during a period of political uncertainty.

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