A number of Labour MPs have broken ranks to suggest that Sir Keir Starmer should step down following the party's disastrous local election results. The calls come after heavy losses in Wales and England, with Reform UK making significant gains.
Labour MPs speak out
Former cabinet minister Louise Haigh stated: "I think what is abundantly clear is that unless the government delivers significant and urgent change, then the prime minister cannot lead us into another election." Richard Burgon, leader of the Socialist Campaign Group of left-wing Labour MPs, added: "It is clear that Keir has fought his last election as Labour leader and, deep down, he will know it."
Simon Opher, the MP for Stroud and a former loyalist, warned that Labour could allow Nigel Farage to become prime minister unless it changes leader. He said: "If we go into the next election with him as leader we will get slaughtered." Olivia Blake, the Labour MP for Sheffield Hallam, commented that the prime minister "needs to think about his position" and told the BBC that the party was "kidding ourselves if we think that Keir Starmer will be leading us into the next election."
Local election results
The local elections saw Labour suffer heavy losses in Wales, where First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth took a new seat, and in England, where Reform UK surged. The results have sparked a crisis within the Labour Party, with many MPs questioning Starmer's leadership ahead of the next general election.
