A recent poll conducted by the thinktank Compass has revealed that a significant portion of Labour Party members believe Keir Starmer should step down as leader. Of the 1,000 members surveyed, 45% said the prime minister should resign, while 51% expressed doubt that he can turn around the party's declining fortunes.
Burnham Emerges as Favourite Successor
The poll, which took place just before Thursday's elections, identified Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as the preferred choice for a new leader, with 42% of respondents ranking him first among potential successors. Burnham enjoys a net favourability rating of 72%, indicating strong support within the party. However, he is currently unable to run for a parliamentary seat, as Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) has blocked his candidacy.
Growing Discontent with Starmer's Leadership
The survey highlights a sharp increase in dissatisfaction with Starmer's leadership. In October, only 28% of members said he should resign if Labour performed poorly in May's elections. Now, over a third of members are considering cancelling their party membership. Lena Swedlow, deputy director of Compass, stated: "Voters made their displeasure with Starmer's leadership heard on Thursday, and now Labour members have too. Nearly half want him to stand down, and over half don't think he's the man for the job."
Election Setbacks Fuel Calls for Change
The poll was conducted against a backdrop of electoral defeats for Labour. Nigel Farage's Reform UK won hundreds of seats and control of multiple councils in England. In Scotland, Labour lost ground as the SNP secured a historic fifth victory, while Plaid Cymru ended a century of Labour dominance in Wales by unseating First Minister Eluned Morgan. In London, the Greens gained several councils, reflecting growing progressive disillusionment with Starmer's party.
Many Labour MPs, particularly those aligned with Burnham, have urged the prime minister to set a timetable for stepping down in an orderly manner. At least 10 MPs, including former transport secretary Louise Haigh and several 2024 intake MPs, have called for a leadership transition. Burnham's backers hope that increasing pressure will lead to a change in the NEC's stance, allowing him to seek a parliamentary seat and potentially contest the leadership.
The Compass poll underscores a crisis of confidence within the Labour Party, with members demanding both a change in personnel and direction. As Swedlow emphasised, "Making these changes in an orderly, measured, considered way will be crucial for the stability and prosperity of the country."
