A leading pollster has warned that Sir Keir Starmer is unlikely to lead Labour into the next general election, as the party braces for a severe defeat in upcoming local elections. Professor Sir John Curtice, a prominent political analyst, stated that it is a question of “when, not if” the Prime Minister resigns, casting doubt on his political future.
Polling expert Lord Hayward predicts Labour could face a “drastic” loss of over 75 per cent of the council seats they are defending next week, equating to 1,850 losses. This would represent a significant blow to the party's grassroots strength.
Reform UK is projected to be the biggest winner in the local elections, gaining an estimated 1,550 seats, while the Green Party is expected to pick up 500 seats. The elections are seen as a moment of severe peril for the Prime Minister, with challenges including the ongoing Peter Mandelson scandal and record-low economic optimism.
Despite the anticipated poor results, some analysts suggest Sir Keir might retain his position due to the absence of an obvious successor. However, the mounting pressure from within the party and the electorate could force a leadership change sooner rather than later.
The local elections are scheduled for next week, and the results will be closely watched as a barometer of public opinion and the future direction of the Labour Party.
