UK may get first Muslim PM: Pakistani-origin Shabana Mahmood in focus as Starmer faces Mandelson-Epstein row

Speculation over a potential change in Labour Party leadership has intensified, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emerging as a leading contender to take the helm.

Mahmood, the daughter of Pakistani immigrants with roots in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, could become the country’s first female Muslim Prime Minister if she assumes leadership.

Starmer has come under scrutiny over the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, despite his documented links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mandelson was removed from the post in September over his alleged links to Epstein.
 
According to Sky News report, new Epstein files suggest that he shared confidential information with the convicted sex offender in 2009 brought the issue back into the spotlight.  

Meanwhile, Sir Keir’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned amid scrutiny over his role in Starmer’s administration.

Despite mounting criticism and calls for his resignation, Starmer stated on Monday that he would not step down.

Speaking to MPs, as reported by the BBC, he said: "After having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, I'm not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos, as others have done."

Who is Shabana Mahmood?

Shabana Mahmood was born in Birmingham in 1980. Her family traces its roots to Mirpur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Before entering politics, Mahmood studied law at Lincoln College, Oxford, and completed the Bar Vocational Course at the Inns of Court School of Law to qualify as a barrister.

She was elected as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood in 2010 and was appointed Home Secretary in September 2025.

She is known among Labour MPs as a hardliner on immigration.