The first trade union has called for Keir Starmer's resignation following a disastrous set of local election results that saw Labour lose hundreds of council seats while Reform UK made significant gains. The TSSA chief demanded a new Labour leader who could prevent a 'catastrophe' for the party, as results overnight revealed a bloodbath across English councils. A meltdown is also looming in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd later.
Starmer Admits 'Tough' Situation but Refuses to Quit
Keir Starmer has admitted the situation is 'tough' and that 'unnecessary mistakes' had been made. However, he said he would not 'walk away' and was planning announcements in the coming days to convince the public that 'things will get better'. 'Days like this don't weaken my resolve to deliver the change that I promised,' Sir Keir added. The intervention did nothing to reassure alarmed Labour figures. One told the Daily Mail that his comments to broadcasters were another example of 'Robot Keir' and that he had failed to 'hit the mark'.
Reform UK Celebrates 'Wipeout'
Nigel Farage celebrated what he called a Reform 'wipeout' and begged the Prime Minister not to quit, as the party swept boards in several councils. Millions of Britons headed to the polls on May 7 in the biggest test of public opinion since Labour's 'loveless landslide' at the 2024 general election. Reform UK extended its reach while Labour lost votes to everyone, everywhere, according to political commentators.
Labour's Losses Across the Country
Labour lost its majority on Tameside council, the authority which includes former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner's Greater Manchester constituency. Trade Minister Chris Bryant accused Welsh Labour of 'treading on people' with policies like the 20mph speed limit as it braces to lose power. He said Welsh Labour was guilty of acting like it 'knew it all' and had to have a major rethink if it loses control in Cardiff Bay.
Reform UK's Growing Influence
Reform UK is extending its reach while Labour loses votes to everyone, everywhere, wrote political editor Jason Groves. The local elections have sealed Keir Starmer's fate, with Reform UK making significant inroads into Labour's traditional heartlands. The TSSA union's call for Starmer's head reflects growing unease within the Labour movement about the party's direction under his leadership.
Other Key Developments
In other news, the Green Party leader Zack Polanski faced questions about his electoral registration at a marina while refusing to say where he pays council tax. Meanwhile, a third Briton is feared to have contracted hantavirus on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed two British nationals have hantavirus with an additional suspected case.
Big Brother star Alex Sibley won a council seat for Reform in the local elections after switching careers following a fatal collision. The reality star, 47, finished in third place on the Channel 4 show alongside stars including Alison Hammond and Jade Goody.
The local election results have sent shockwaves through the political establishment, with Labour facing its worst performance in decades. Starmer's future as party leader is now in serious doubt, with many within the party calling for a change at the top.
