Keir Starmer is under pressure after a disastrous set of local election results across England, Scotland, Wales, and London. By Friday night, Labour had lost control of more than 25 councils in England and over 1,000 council seats. Many of these losses went to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which made significant gains in the Midlands and the North, while also taking seats from the Conservatives in southern areas.
The scale of the defeat has triggered internal criticism and renewed debate about the party’s leadership and direction.
Major Political Shock in Wales, Scotland, and London
The results have reshaped the political landscape in key regions.
In Wales, the Labour Party faced one of its worst performances in decades. First Minister Eluned Morgan also lost her seat, marking a major symbolic setback.
In Scotland, Labour is at risk of falling to third place behind the SNP and Reform UK. In London, a strong surge by the Green Party led to Labour losing control of councils it had dominated for years, including Hackney and Waltham Forest.
These results reflect a broader decline in support that has alarmed senior party members.
After a disastrous performance by the Labour Party, senior members are seeking a change in party leadership. By Friday evening, at least 10 additional Labour MPs had publicly called for him to set out a timeline for stepping down.
Such voices are growing inside the party following the heavy electoral losses.
Andy Burnham Mentioned as Possible Alternative Leader
Connor Naismith, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, suggested the name of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. According to Naismith, he could play a central role in the party’s future leadership.
He described Burnham as one of the most popular Labour politicians and argued that he could help the party reconnect with voters in areas where support has declined.
“Ironically, this is precisely why we need him back on the front line of national politics,” he added.
Clive Betts and Debbie Abrahams Warn of Internal Conflict
Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East, told BBC Radio 4 that Starmer should step down “in the not too distant future.”
While speaking to BBC Radio 4, he suggested three possible scenarios.
The first is that Keir Starmer continues until the next election and Labour loses badly.
“Secondly, that in the end, Keir decides to stick it out, and there is a move to get rid of him, an internal battle, and then the public don’t like parties that fight amongst themselves, so that could lead to an election defeat,” he added.
For the third option, he suggested that Keir should step down, for the good of the country and the government, at some point in the not-too-distant future.
Betts also warned that ongoing division could harm Labour’s chances in a future election.
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said Starmer has only “a matter of months” to make a decision about his leadership.
She expressed concern about the party’s current direction and warned that continued losses could reshape the political balance nationally.
“But on this trajectory, it doesn’t look good, not just for locals — I lost some really dear colleagues who worked so hard for their constituency — but it means the prospect of us not just losing an election, but who we would lose to, and that makes me really fearful,” she added.
Labour MPs Call for Leadership Change
Following the local election results, Keir Starmer is facing increasing pressure from some Labour MPs who want him to step down after the party’s heavy losses.
Labour lost hundreds of council seats in England and suffered major setbacks in Wales, prompting criticism within the party. While Starmer accepted responsibility for the results, he made it clear that he would not resign. He said that difficult days would not weaken his determination to continue leading the party.
Despite calls from several MPs for a change in leadership, members of Starmer’s cabinet have publicly backed him. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is often mentioned as a possible future leadership contender but denies having such plans, said he fully supports the prime minister.
