Can Keir Starmer overcome the Mandelson scandal? With Baroness Ayesha Hazarika
Fri Feb 06 2026
It’s been a trying week for the Prime Minister. Allegations surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson have angered many within the party, and raised fresh questions about Keir Starmer’s authority. Should Labour be panicking?
In this episode, The Standard's political editor Nic Cecil speaks with Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, former advisor to senior Labour politicians, who worked closely with Peter Mandelson over the past couple of decades. She reflects on what it was like to work with him, the current mood inside the Labour Party, and the risks Labour could face if it triggers a leadership contest in the near future.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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It’s been a trying week for the Prime Minister. Allegations surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson have angered many within the party, and raised fresh questions about Keir Starmer’s authority. Should Labour be panicking? In this episode, The Standard's political editor Nic Cecil speaks with Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, former advisor to senior Labour politicians, who worked closely with Peter Mandelson over the past couple of decades. She reflects on what it was like to work with him, the current mood inside the Labour Party, and the risks Labour could face if it triggers a leadership contest in the near future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.