Keir Starmer's premiership is in the throes of a significant crisis, as he assembled his Cabinet after they deliberated for over 24 hours on whether to oust him. This political turmoil follows the resignation of his chief aide amid the 'Mandelson scandal' and persistent questions regarding his leadership. The period of 'deathly silence' from senior ministers ended only after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar dramatically called for Starmer's resignation, prompting a desperate rescue operation from Downing Street.

The crisis began with the resignation of Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's chief of staff, on Sunday, who was followed by communications director Tim Allan on Monday morning. McSweeney's departure stemmed from his advice to appoint Lord Mandelson as the US ambassador, a move heavily scrutinized due to Mandelson's controversial links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Tim Allan, a former adviser to Sir Tony Blair, quit to allow a 'new team' to be built in Number Ten, marking the loss of Starmer's fourth communications director and second chief of staff in 19 months. Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald is also reportedly on the brink of resignation, raising concerns about performance and delivery within Starmer's government.

Anas Sarwar's public denunciation sent shockwaves, forcing the Cabinet to make a snap decision on their leader's fate. Ministers were reportedly told to voice their support or face the sack. While private discussions explored the possibility of an interim leader like Defence Secretary John Healey, leadership rivals like Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting were not ready to make a move, and fears of a chaotic leadership contest amid wobbling financial markets led them to issue belated public statements of support. Starmer later addressed Labour MPs defiantly, vowing to 'battle on' and asserting, 'Every fight I've ever been in, I have won.'

Amid the political upheaval, hints emerged from figures like Ed Miliband that Starmer might agree to a 'lurch to the Left' to secure his survival, focusing on the 'class divide' and addressing injustices. Miliband, currently the Energy Secretary, urged a 'moment of change' for the government, calling for 'greater clarity of purpose' and an end to internal briefing wars. He denied any personal leadership ambitions, emphasizing the need for party unity and a focus on mission and values to overcome the crisis. This shift aligns with demands from MPs to ramp up taxes for increased spending on public services and benefits.

Policy-wise, Labour MPs are set to push through significant benefit hikes, including 3.8 percent increases to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), parental pay, and statutory sick pay, aligning with September's inflation rate. The state pension will also see a 4.8 percent rise, adhering to the 'triple lock'. This comes as Starmer's government faces scrutiny over its handling of the small boat migrant crisis. Under his tenure, the UK has seen a record 65,922 migrant arrivals, surpassing Boris Johnson's high in just 19 months. Starmer's government scrapped the previous Rwanda asylum deal and introduced a 'one in, one out' deal with France, which Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood admitted has 'obviously not dented the numbers yet', with significantly more migrants brought in than removed.

Public discontent is palpable, particularly in traditionally Labour strongholds like Makerfield, Greater Manchester. Constituents expressed frustration with Starmer's perceived U-turns and a general lack of trust in politicians. Many feel the Mandelson scandal is further evidence that 'they don’t think the rules apply to them', with some advocating for Reform UK. Business owners in Ashton-in-Makerfield, despite receiving 'levelling up' funds, complained about disruption and a lack of engagement from the Labour-led council. This sentiment fuels anxiety within Labour about upcoming local elections in May and the Gorton & Denton by-election on February 26, where a strong Reform UK vote is anticipated.

Key figures within Labour displayed mixed reactions. Wes Streeting, Health Secretary, accused of being behind a coup plot by No10 insiders, released messages condemning his government's 'no growth' strategy and denied coordinating with Sarwar. Angela Rayner, a potential leadership rival, backed Starmer to continue but faces unresolved issues with HMRC regarding an unpaid stamp duty bill. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called for 'stability' and unity, reiterating his support for the Prime Minister. Baroness Morgan, Labour's Welsh First Minister, offered only lukewarm backing. Outside Labour, Kemi Badenoch claimed 'some' Labour MPs had 'given us indications' they would back a vote of no confidence.

Despite the severe challenges, Starmer has insisted he will not 'walk away from my mandate and my responsibility', especially with an eye on confronting Nigel Farage and Reform UK in the next general election. He views this as 'the fight of our lives, the fight of our times'. However, Labour MPs have warned that his survival could hinge on the outcomes of the crucial by-election and local elections, with some suggesting he might still be forced out if results are poor. The internal and external pressures continue to mount, making this a pivotal and uncertain period for Starmer's leadership.