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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Business
Mark Saunokonoko

‘PM comes out fighting’: what the UK papers say as Starmer battles on

Sir Keir Starmer Anas Sarwar Wes Streeting Alfie Tobutt United Kingdom Epstein (Person) Peter Mandelson Morgan McSweeney Metro National
Composite of UK front pages from 10 February 2026 about the UK prime minister Keir Starmer surviving renewed calls for his resignation.
UK front pages after prime minister Keir Starmer survived renewed calls for his resignation from members of his own party. Composite: Financial Times/Metro/The National/The Daily Telegraph/The Times

Tuesday’s papers in the UK are dominated by Keir Starmer surviving a call for his resignation from a high-profile party figure, though his fate remains far from certain.

The Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, on Monday urged the prime minister to step down amid the fallout from the Peter Mandelson scandal, which has already led to the departure of Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.

The Guardian’s front page led with “‘I’m not prepared to walk away,’ embattled Starmer tells MPs”, adding the prime minister had emerged “badly damaged” from a tumultuous 24 hours that “brought his premiership to the brink”.

“Streeting accused of No10 coup” was the Telegraph lead story, referring to potential leadership rival Wes Streeting, reporting Starmer had clung on but that his prime ministership was “entering its final stage”. An unnamed Labour source claimed the push to remove McSweeney came from a man whose “name rhymes with Les Weeting”.

“Cabinet bounced into giving PM stay of execution” the Mail headlined, saying Starmer had been “rocked” by Sarwar’s demand that he quit.

The Times Scotland edition framed it as “Desperate Sarwar calls for Starmer to step aside”, calling Sarwar’s move a “betrayal of the beleaguered prime minister” and “a last-gasp bid to save his faltering campaign for the Holyrood elections”.

“Gamble gone wrong” the National said on its front page, portraying Starmer’s survival as a “humiliation” for Sarwar.

“PM comes out fighting as cabinet falls in line” was top story at the Times, adding claims that Streeting had “bottled” the bid to oust Starmer.

The FT splashed on “Starmer defies calls to stand down as allies accuse Streeting of fuelling crisis” and reported that Streeting is seen as a contender for the leadership “if and when” Starmer leaves office.

“Resign now! PM on brink as calls to go mount”, the Express reported, adding Starmer had “to plead for his future” as pressure mounted.

“How long?” the Metro asked, reporting the prime minister had been “mauled” on his way to winning the backing of his cabinet.

The i Paper led on “Mercy of Cabinet keeps Starmer in power – as endgame nears”, and reported accusations from Streeting of No 10 briefing against him, and the entire Cabinet being “told to tweet support” for Starmer.

The Mirror focused on the Epstein files for its top story but includes a front-page reference to Starmer’s crisis, with “I’m Keir to stay”.

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