Starmer Sinking, Brash Sliding: Will the Peter Mandelson Scandal End Both Their Careers ?

Starmer Under Pressure as Jonathan Brash’s Support Slowly Ebbs Away

What the May Local Elections is Likely to Spell for both Keir Starmer and Jonathan Brash

10th Feb 2026

Behind the scenes, sources close to the centre of Westminster suggest that Sir Keir Starmer’s government is, at best, struggling to maintain its footing and, at worst, teetering on the brink of serious internal disorder. Far from the image of stability Labour sought to project upon entering office, the Labour Government now appears increasingly mired in controversy and political turbulence.

The continuing fallout from the Peter Mandelson scandal, alongside an ongoing police investigation, has done little to cast either Starmer or Hartlepool’s Labour MP Jonathan Brash in any favourable light. While Brash’s past association with Mandelson — often referred to by critics as the “Prince of Darkness” — is not widely known locally, there remains a very real prospect that such connections could be thrust into the spotlight should Mandelson attempt to distance himself from any potential wrongdoing.

This political backdrop couldn't be worse timed for Labour, as Hartlepool’s local elections are now fast approaching. It's unlikely that Starmer would have chosen to allow these elections to proceed, given that he has postponed contests elsewhere, yet the reality is that Hartlepool voters will soon have their say. All current projections suggest that Labour faces a difficult night at the ballot box, with growing indications that many residents are preparing to register their dissatisfaction in the only way they can..... at the ballot box !

Sources claim Brash is literally 'One Headline Away From His Position As MP Becoming Untenable' in the wake of the Peter Mandelson Scandal.

Support for Labours MP in Hartlepool Jonathan Brash is already at a low ebb, and his position appears increasingly precarious. One damaging headline could see his standing in Hartlepool fall even further — potentially to levels that would eclipse the unpopularity of his predecessor, Mike Hill, who was removed from office amid a sexual harassment scandal & ultimately handing Hartlepool to the Conservatives in a By-Election that almost ended Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party. .

Mandelson’s network of influence admittedly stretches deep into the core of the Labour Party, and few within its upper ranks can credibly claim to have had no dealings with him at some point or another. His role in selecting parliamentary candidates, including Brash, has left many ultimately tarnished by association, just as Starmer himself now finds his leadership under scrutiny. In such circumstances, Brash’s prospects of ever securing a second term as Hartlepool’s MP look to be appear increasingly remote.

Early Indications suggest Hartlepool is set to become a council under no overall political control in May, with Labour set to see heavy losses to Reform, further piling the pressure on Keir Starmer, as the result is likely to be reflected across the country

Looking ahead, Brash may also find his position further complicated by what's said to be brewing internal party tensions. The forthcoming local elections are widely expected to be disastrous for Labour in Hartlepool, with predictions Labour could lose as many as around 90 per cent of its current seats currently up on this years election cycle for Hartlepool Borough Council. Should that occur, Hartlepool BC would likely fall into no overall political control, with Reform potentially leading a minority administration supported by whichever independents and Conservatives are fortunate to remain after May, most likely those who's seats weren't up for this years election cycle.

A Labour loss in Hartlepool in May will spark the beginning of the end for Brash's political career, as he would find working with any Reform Led Council as 'The Ultimate Humiliation'

May's local elections could therefore mark a turning point — not only for Starmer nationally, but for Brash’s political career in Hartlepool. If the 2026 elections serve as any guide, Labour’s chances of rebuilding a majority locally would appear slim in the face of a rising Reform vote. Given Brash’s well-documented distaste towards Reform, any future cooperation would likely be fraught with tension, leaving him increasingly isolated within his own constituency.

Without a Labour-controlled council behind him, Brash would be left as an MP with little local political influence, a reality that may prompt serious a reflection on his future well before the next general election — particularly if further revelations about Mandelson’s past emerge in the months ahead.