Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has predicted that Keir Starmer’s time as Prime Minister is nearing its end, fueled by the controversy surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson and broader concerns about his leadership.

Farage's Prediction of Imminent Departure

Nigel Farage publicly stated his belief that Starmer will be ousted from his position before the end of May. This prediction is largely based on the ongoing backlash regarding the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as Britain’s US ambassador, which Farage argues has significantly damaged Starmer’s credibility.

Concerns Over Appointment Process

Farage accuses Starmer of bypassing standard procedures in appointing Mandelson, particularly highlighting the peer’s failure to pass security vetting checks. This has led to calls for Starmer’s resignation, even from within the Labour party itself.

Local Elections as a Catalyst

Speaking in Barnsley during a campaign event, Farage anticipates Starmer will attempt to hold onto power until after the local elections on May 7th. However, he believes Labour MPs will move to replace Starmer following the elections, which he forecasts will result in substantial losses for the party, especially in traditionally strong areas.

Potential Benefits for Reform UK

Interestingly, Farage suggests Starmer’s unpopularity could inadvertently benefit Reform UK, potentially making it advantageous for him to remain as leader until the next general election. He also posits that a potential premiership under Angela Rayner could prove beneficial for Reform in the long run, due to concerns about potential economic consequences.

Wider Concerns About Labour Support

Farage’s recent campaigning has led him to believe Labour is losing support in its traditional strongholds. He attributes this to voter dissatisfaction with the government’s Net Zero agenda and what he describes as Starmer’s ‘unpatriotic’ leadership.

Anticipated Gains in Upcoming Elections

He predicts significant gains for Reform UK in the local elections, potentially exceeding a thousand council seats, and a strong showing in the Welsh Senedd and Scottish Parliament elections.

Further Controversy: Matthew Doyle

The controversy extends beyond the Mandelson appointment. It was revealed during Prime Minister’s Questions that Downing Street had also considered offering a top diplomatic position to Matthew Doyle, Starmer’s former spin doctor, who previously had the Labour whip withdrawn due to his involvement in a case involving indecent images of children.

Security Risks and Accountability

Farage sharply criticized Starmer’s judgment and actions, emphasizing the security risks associated with entrusting sensitive information to individuals who have not undergone proper vetting. He highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing with the United States, including nuclear capabilities, and questioned the rationale behind considering Mandelson for the US ambassadorship without completing the vetting process.

Starmer has already dismissed Olly Robbins and Morgan McSweeney in response to the scandal, and previously removed Chris Wormald as head of the civil service. Farage believes Starmer will continue to deflect blame and sack those around him rather than taking responsibility for his own decisions. He also suggests a potential split within the Labour party, with the Unite trade union potentially disassociating from Labour due to ongoing disputes, particularly concerning bin strikes in Birmingham, where Reform UK has been involved in negotiations to resolve the situation.