Britain may get first Muslim woman PM, Shabana Mahmood leads race

London (The Uttam Hindu): There are signs of another earthquake in British politics. The Epstein Files controversy has shaken governments across the world and its heat has now reached the chair of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. There is a strong discussion that Starmer's government may fall. Amidst this political instability, one name has rapidly emerged and that is Shabana Mahmood. If Starmer has to resign, then Britain may get a Muslim woman Prime Minister for the first time in its history. Shabana Mahmood is currently the Home Minister in the British government and she is considered the strongest contender for the post of PM in the Labour Party.

The family has ties to Mirpur in PoK.

Shabana Mahmood is currently one of the Labour Party's most powerful leaders and is considered very close to Keir Starmer. The 45-year-old is a lawyer by profession and is known as a skilled public speaker. She was born in Birmingham, UK, but her family originates from the town of Mirpur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Her father, Mahmood Ahmed, and mother, Zubaida, were natives of that area. She earned a law degree from Lincoln College, Oxford, and was elected to Parliament for the first time in 2010. Along with Roshan Ara Ali and Yasmeen Qureshi, she is one of the few Muslim women to have held a seat in the British Parliament. Since assuming the post of Home Secretary in 2025, her biggest challenge has been strengthening Britain's border security.

The party benefited from being pro-Palestine

Shabana Mahmood's political style is quite interesting. She has reconnected with the Labour Party a segment of the party that had become disillusioned and distanced itself from the party over the past few years. This was primarily because the Labour Party had sided with Israel in the Gaza conflict, while Shabana Mahmood openly opposed Israeli attacks and supported Palestine. Her outspoken views have reassured a significant segment of the party. While she is a supporter of Palestine, she is also a strong advocate for stricter laws regarding British citizenship. This balance makes her a popular and acceptable figure within the party.

Peter Mandelson's appointment has become a thorn in the government's side.

A major reason for the crisis facing Keir Starmer's government is a recent diplomatic appointment. The government recently appointed Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to Washington. However, Mandelson's connection to the notorious Epstein scandal has deepened the controversy, and the government is facing widespread criticism. There are also speculations about Keir Starmer's own involvement in the Epstein Files case, putting his position in jeopardy. In such a situation, if a leadership change arises, Shabana Mahmood is seen as Starmer's natural successor.