Keir Starmer rocked by ally’s exit over Abbott remarks as Trump lands in UK

Labour is facing mounting turmoil after Paul Ovenden, one of Keir Starmer’s closest aides, resigned following the disclosure of old private messages in which he repeated crude jokes made about Diane Abbott. His departure marks the third senior resignation in just two weeks, raising questions about Starmer’s authority as Donald Trump arrives in Britain for a state visit.

Ovenden, who served as the prime minister’s director of political strategy, stepped down after excerpts from a forthcoming book revealed WhatsApp exchanges from eight years ago. In them, he recalled a party game where Abbott’s name was the subject of offensive remarks. Abbott condemned the comments as “very unpleasant,” echoing concerns raised by the earlier Forde report on sexism and racism in Labour.

The loss of Ovenden follows the high-profile resignations of deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and US ambassador Peter Mandelson, leaving Starmer increasingly isolated. One Labour official described Ovenden as “the best brain in government,” warning that without him, the administration risks turning inward. Another said bluntly: “The more Keir loses people, the clearer it becomes the problem is him.”

Starmer accepted the resignation but stressed there was “no surrender” to racism or violence, after facing criticism for what some MPs saw as a muted response to a far-right protest in London. While he sought to reassure his MPs by attending a late-night Commons vote on workers’ rights, talk of replacing him before the next election is spreading among restive backbenchers.

Trump’s visit, which Downing Street had hoped would showcase Starmer’s international agenda, now risks amplifying the image of a prime minister under siege. Critics on both the left and right of the party are already promoting potential successors, with names like health secretary Wes Streeting and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham being floated.

Meanwhile, questions persist over Starmer’s judgment in appointing Mandelson to Washington, given his past correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Conservatives have forced an emergency debate on the issue, pressing Starmer to clarify when he learned of the exchanges.

Despite the growing pressure, Starmer insisted he is determined to lead Labour against “the toxic chaos and decline” of the far right. Yet with allies departing, rivals circling, and Trump’s arrival stealing headlines, Labour insiders warn his grip on power may not last until next year’s elections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Paul Ovenden and why did he resign?

Paul Ovenden was Keir Starmer’s director of political strategy and a close adviser. He resigned after private messages from eight years ago resurfaced in which he repeated lewd jokes about Labour MP Diane Abbott. The revelations came from a forthcoming book about Starmer.

2. What did the leaked messages say about Diane Abbott?

The messages showed Ovenden recounting a party game that involved crude and offensive remarks about Diane Abbott. Abbott described the messages as “very unpleasant” and compared them to issues highlighted in the Forde report on racism and sexism within Labour.

3. How has Keir Starmer responded to Ovenden’s resignation?

Starmer accepted Ovenden’s resignation and stated that racism and offensive remarks have no place in politics. He emphasized there could be “no surrender” to racism or violence, while allies suggested Ovenden’s departure would further weaken the prime minister.

4. Why is this crisis significant for Starmer?

This is the third high-profile resignation in two weeks, following the departures of deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and US ambassador Peter Mandelson. The rapid loss of senior allies has raised doubts about Starmer’s leadership, stability, and control over his government.

5. What role does Donald Trump’s visit to the UK play in this crisis?

Trump’s state visit was meant to be an opportunity for Starmer to highlight his foreign policy and economic agenda. Instead, the visit is overshadowed by political turmoil, making the prime minister appear weakened at a critical moment on the world stage.

6. How are Labour MPs reacting?

Many Labour MPs are openly discussing the possibility of replacing Starmer before the next general election, with some suggesting a challenge could even come within months. Internal critics argue he has failed to handle far-right protests decisively and has lost key political allies.

7. Who are seen as possible successors to Keir Starmer?

Names mentioned include Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Party insiders believe rivals may begin organizing earlier than expected due to the mounting instability.

8. What is the controversy involving Peter Mandelson?

Starmer is also under pressure over Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador after it emerged that Mandelson had been in contact with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. The Conservatives have pushed for an emergency Commons debate on the issue, questioning Starmer’s judgment.

9. How has Diane Abbott responded to this situation?

Abbott condemned the resurfaced messages, calling them offensive and in line with the kind of abusive behavior identified in the Forde inquiry. She highlighted the challenges she has faced as the first Black woman elected to Parliament.

10. What could happen next for Keir Starmer?

If the crisis deepens, Starmer may face an internal leadership challenge before the next election. The loss of trusted allies and growing criticism from within Labour has raised questions about whether he can maintain authority long enough to fight the next general election as party leader.