Starmer Dodges Mandelson Queries Amid Badenoch’s PMQs Scandal Challenge

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced intense questioning at Prime Minister’s Questions on 18 March 2026. The session ranged from the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador to attacks on Nigel Farage and concerns about media impartiality.

Mandelson appointment and Badenoch’s challenge

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch repeatedly pressed Sir Keir on whether he spoke directly to Lord Peter Mandelson before the ambassadorial appointment. Badenoch asked if Starmer had discussed claims that Mandelson stayed at Jeffrey Epstein’s house after Epstein’s conviction.

Starmer declined to answer directly on that specific point. He said the appointment process had been reviewed by an independent adviser who found the relevant process had been followed.

Accusations over judgement

Badenoch framed her questions as a test of the prime minister’s judgement. She cited Starmer’s earlier statement that Mandelson had given untruthful replies.

Starmer responded by criticizing Badenoch’s own judgement on other matters. He also sought to shift focus to the opposition’s stance on foreign policy.

Starmer confronts Farage and defends employment rights

Labour MP Steve Witherden told the Commons that the Reform leader wanted to repeal Labour’s Employment Rights Act. He urged the prime minister to confirm Labour’s commitment to the law ahead of the May vote.

Starmer defended the Employment Rights Act and accused Reform of wanting to rip up protections for workers. He attacked Nigel Farage’s judgement over backing US strikes related to the Iran conflict.

The prime minister said Farage had shown poor judgement and was not fit to be prime minister. Starmer called out what he described as a U-turn on Farage’s position.

Other exchanges and wider themes at PMQs

• Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey raised concerns about GB News. He cited an investigation claiming breaches of impartiality and urged action from Ofcom. Starmer said regulation and enforcement are matters for Ofcom.
• Sir David Davis questioned plans to change jury trial arrangements. He warned of risks and quoted previous statements from Labour MPs. Starmer defended the need for reform while rejecting claims he would abolish jury trials in many cases.
• Starmer called for the sacking of Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy after an X post which described public Muslim prayer as an “act of domination.” He said such remarks were unacceptable.
• The prime minister reiterated that the UK would not be drawn into a wider Middle East war and said he wanted the conflict to end quickly to limit cost-of-living impacts.

Local and party developments

A former Conservative MP, 65, who once represented Reigate, was charged after police searches of his home in Horley. He faces one count of possessing a class A drug and three counts of possessing class B drugs.

Sir Ed Davey was also pressed about his leadership and the need for a new chief of staff. Internal Lib Dem concerns and strategic criticism were mentioned during the session.

Political fallout and analysis

Commentators at PMQs noted Starmer repeatedly dodged Mandelson-related queries amid Badenoch’s PMQs challenge. Critics said the prime minister often sought to shift debate to other issues.

The Speaker intervened at one point to remind participants of the rules. The exchanges left questions about judgement and leadership at the centre of Parliament’s agenda.

Coverage of the 18 March session appears on Filmogaz.com with reporting from parliamentary correspondents and political editors. The events add fresh momentum to debates ahead of the May vote.