LABOUR MPs urged Sir Keir Starmer to sack his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney as detectives today searched Lord Peter Mandelson’s London home over his alleged leaks to paedophile financier Jeffery Epstein.

Former deputy leader Baroness Harriet Harman MP said that the PM should consider “a real reset” in Downing Street, warning his premiership could be finished if he does not take the right course of action.

Dozens of MPs — including 22 from Labour — have meanwhile backed a call from Labour left winger Nadia Whittome for a full public inquiry into links between Epstein and figures in the British Establishment.

The PM has apologised for believing “Mandelson’s lies and appointing him” ambassador to the US last year despite knowing the twice-resigned Cabinet minister continued his relationship with Epstein after he was jailed for child sex crimes.

Mr McSweeney promoted Lord Mandelson’s bid for the role and pushed back against the PM when he finally decided to sack him following new revelations over his friendship with Epstein.

Ms Harman told Sky News’s Beth Rigby: “To say ‘he lied to me’ makes it look weak and naive and gullible. So it’s just completely the wrong thing.

“He should also be thinking about a real reset in Number 10, because what you need from your team in Number 10 is people who share your values and your principles and who will help you be the best prime minister you can be, according to your true self.”

Backbencher Simon Opher called for a “clearout at Number 10,” telling the BBC’s Today programme: “If my chief of staff had done this, I think he would be looking for another job.”

Others among at least 10 backbenchers calling for Mr McSweeney’s departure include veteran MP Clive Efford and Southport’s Patrick Hurley, who suggested another job should be found for him running the party’s campaigns rather than the government.

Left-wing Labour MP Ian Bryne told Sky News that Sir Keir needs to “reflect on his position … and he needs a miracle. He needs something to turn it around.”

Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan also called for Sir Keir to resign.

“We can’t just keep going on like this - lurching from one crisis to the next,” he said.

“One of the best ways of resetting is to have a renewal of the Labour Party… and that means changing who’s in charge.”

Number 10 said that the files that apparently show Lord Mandelson leaking sensitive government information to Epstein will be published “shortly.” 

Senior government figures are preparing to hand over tranches of their electronic communications with Lord Mandelson ahead of the release of evidence about his appointment.

The total number of government documents related to Lord Mandelson could be close to 100,000, the BBC understands. The disclosure of private messages could drag more public figures into the scandal.

This afternoon the Metropolitan Police searched two properties linked to Lord Mandelson as part of their investigation into the peer for alleged misconduct in public office.

The force has confirmed that it was investigating him over allegations relating to files appearing to show him sharing government information with Epstein during the financial crash.

Deputy assistant commissioner Hayley Sewart said: “The searches are related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences, involving a 72-year-old man.

“He has not been arrested and inquiries are ongoing.”

Several people believed to be police officers were seen entering Lord Mandelson’s house near Regent’s Park in central London.

Documents released as part of the so-called Epstein files led to allegations that while Lord Mandelson was business secretary following the 2008 financial crisis, he passed on market-sensitive information to the sex offender.

Lord Mandelson, who has quit his party and stood down from the House of Lords has yet to speak publicly over the allegations — but the BBC understands that he maintains he did not act criminally and that his actions were not for personal gain.

Home Office minister Mike Tapp insisted that Sir Keir was a “good man” as he urged Labour MPs to “stick with Starmer.”