Starmer ally admits prime minister is ‘unpopular’ but warns of ‘chaos’ if leadership contest triggered – UK politics live

Keir Starmer faces intensified pressure within the Labour Party following a day of significant political developments. A key ally, Wes Streeting, resigned as health secretary, creating a potential pathway back to Parliament for his rival, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. This situation has sparked discussions about Labour's leadership and the potential for a contest. Guardian columnist Rafael Behr discussed the day's events, questioning the policy stances of potential contenders and their ability to improve Labour's current standing. The article highlights the internal party dynamics and the strategic implications of these shifts for Labour's future direction.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is positioning himself to challenge Keir Starmer for leadership of the UK Labour Party. Burnham was already considered the frontrunner in opinion polls and betting markets. A significant development occurred when Labour MP Josh Simons resigned from the House of Commons, potentially clearing a path for Burnham to secure a parliamentary seat, a prerequisite for the leadership. Burnham has been meeting with key party figures in London, including MPs, union leaders, and National Executive Committee members, to build support. His appeal within the party is partly attributed to his perceived outsider status, which some believe could help counter the influence of populist leader Nigel Farage.

Guardian columnist Rafael Behr discussed a significant day for the Labour Party and its leader, Keir Starmer. The day was marked by the resignation of health secretary Wes Streeting and the potential return of Andy Burnham to Westminster. This development followed a week of speculation about the Labour leadership. Despite the events, Keir Starmer remains the leader. The article highlights the political maneuvering and shifting landscape within the Labour Party, with Streeting's departure and Burnham's potential comeback creating a dynamic situation.

Wes Streeting has resigned as Health Secretary and called for Keir Starmer to step down as Labour leader, stating it would be "dishonourable" to remain and advocating for a leadership contest. Streeting, a prominent figure on the party's right, is not immediately launching a direct challenge, suggesting he lacks the necessary MP nominations. His resignation follows a meeting with Starmer where he expressed a loss of confidence. Streeting criticized Starmer's leadership style and believes the party needs a broad debate about its future direction, potentially including candidates like Andy Burnham. Several of Streeting's ministerial allies have also resigned and called for Starmer's departure.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces potential leadership challenges following significant Labour Party losses in recent local elections. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is expected to announce his bid for leadership on Thursday, having reportedly secured enough support from Labour lawmakers. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who has resolved tax issues that led to her departure from the Cabinet, has indicated she is ready to participate in a leadership contest if one is triggered. The pressure on Starmer stems from voter dissatisfaction with the government's perceived failure to improve economic growth and living standards. Rayner stated that the party recognizes the need for change after the electoral setbacks.

Labour health minister Wes Streeting resigned on Thursday, calling for a leadership contest to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This action follows disastrous local election results for the governing Labour Party, which have intensified pressure on Starmer. Streeting stated his resignation is due to the belief that Starmer will not lead the party into the next general election. His departure marks the first senior minister to publicly call for Starmer's removal amidst growing dissent within the party. The crisis comes less than two years after Starmer secured a significant majority with a promise of stability.

Allies of Wes Streeting, the health secretary, claim he is preparing to resign and launch a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer as early as Thursday. This move reportedly stems from deep frustration with Starmer's leadership. While Downing Street insiders suggested Streeting lacked the necessary 81 MP signatures to formally enter a contest, sources close to Streeting believe he has secured sufficient support. Discussions are reportedly underway to gather the required numbers. Streeting held brief, uncommented-on talks with Starmer on Wednesday. Some allies of Starmer remain confident he will contest any challenge, while others express reservations about Streeting's prospects.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a significant challenge as his Health Minister, Wes Streeting, is reportedly preparing to resign. This potential resignation, expected as early as Thursday, could trigger a leadership contest and threaten the implementation of the government's agenda, which was outlined during the King's Speech on Wednesday. The report, published by The Times, emerged as the King delivered his speech amidst pomp and ceremony, overshadowing the government's legislative plans. This threat comes after a period of pressure on Starmer following a significant defeat in recent local elections. Financial markets reacted negatively to the news, with government bond futures falling and the pound weakening. Streeting's office has not yet commented on the report.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing significant pressure to resign following substantial losses in recent local elections and calls for his departure from nearly a quarter of his own MPs. Despite this, Starmer has vowed to continue governing and plans to implement reforms. He is scheduled to meet with Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary and a potential leadership rival, at Downing Street. This meeting precedes King Charles's speech opening parliament, where the government will outline its legislative agenda. The resignations of four junior ministers, including a Streeting ally, highlight the growing dissent within the party, with critics citing a perceived lack of progress and public confidence in Starmer's leadership.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing potential leadership challenges following the Labour Party's significant losses in recent local elections. The defeat saw Labour lose nearly 1,500 councillors in England and lose power in Wales after 27 years. Several Labour MPs are calling for Starmer's resignation, with some urging for a swift replacement. However, other party members, like Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, believe a leadership contest would be detrimental. Starmer is scheduled to deliver a speech on Monday to address the election results and outline his vision for the party, emphasizing rebuilding Britain's relationship with Europe. He has acknowledged the party's failure to sustain public trust in delivering change.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing significant pressure to resign following substantial losses for the Labour Party in recent local elections. The party surrendered hundreds of council seats across England and saw setbacks in Wales and Scotland, with a YouGov poll indicating public support for his resignation. Starmer is reportedly refusing to step down despite calls from over 70 Labour MPs and several parliamentary aides. Economic concerns, including rising borrowing costs and the failure to ease living expenses, are also contributing to the discontent. The appointment of Peter Mandelson, who has ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as ambassador to Washington has further complicated Starmer's position.

Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to deliver a significant speech today, aiming to rally support from his MPs and avert a potential leadership challenge following recent election losses. The speech is being framed as a crucial moment for Starmer, with speculation of a leadership contest already underway, as Angela Rayner has also outlined her vision. Starmer intends to argue that incremental change is insufficient to address the nation's challenges, advocating for a more substantial response on issues like growth, defense, Europe, and energy. This address is seen as Starmer's attempt to demonstrate his leadership and convince the party of his direction, in contrast to historical instances where leaders faced and survived challenges, or were eventually replaced.

Keir Starmer faces a critical 24-hour period following poor local election results, with calls for his resignation mounting. Approximately 40 Labour MPs are reportedly demanding his departure or a timeline for it. Wes Streeting, a potential leadership contender, is understood to be preparing a bid should Starmer's position become untenable. Angela Rayner has also warned that the party's current direction is not working and requires significant change. Starmer was scheduled to deliver a speech on Monday outlining his vision for the country in an attempt to secure his leadership.

Labour MP Catherine West has put Prime Minister Keir Starmer "on notice," threatening to trigger a leadership challenge by Monday following significant local election losses for the Labour Party. West stated that if a Cabinet minister does not challenge Starmer by Monday, she will initiate a contest herself, suggesting a reshuffle within the Cabinet as her preferred option. To trigger a leadership contest, West would require the support of 20% of Labour MPs, which amounts to 81 members. She claims approximately 10 MPs are currently backing her effort, with confidence that more will join. The Labour Party experienced substantial losses in recent elections across the UK.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing calls for his resignation following significant losses for the Labour Party in recent local elections across England and legislative votes in Scotland and Wales. These election results, widely viewed as a referendum on Starmer's leadership, have prompted dozens of lawmakers to demand his ouster. Starmer plans to address the situation in a speech, aiming to outline a new direction for his government, but his position remains precarious. Rivals are reportedly considering their next steps, with one lawmaker threatening to trigger a leadership contest. The Labour Party has struggled with economic growth, public services, and the cost of living, compounded by policy U-turns and a controversial ambassadorial appointment. The recent elections saw Labour lose votes to both the Reform UK and Green parties, indicating a shift in the political landscape.

Following a significant local election defeat, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a leadership challenge. A former minister has stated she will run for the Labour Party leadership if no other candidate emerges, signaling growing discontent within the party. Labour experienced its worst municipal election losses since 1995, leading to increased calls for Starmer's resignation from his own lawmakers. In an effort to strengthen his position, Starmer appointed former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former Deputy Labour Leader Harriet Harman as advisors earlier on Saturday. This situation highlights the pressure on Starmer's leadership after the recent electoral setback.

Following Labour's poor election results, MPs from the party's left are reportedly planning to ask Ed Miliband to consider a leadership bid. This comes as Keir Starmer faces potential challenges from within his party next week. Former minister Catherine West has stated she will launch a bid if no other cabinet ministers come forward by Monday, aiming to break an "impasse." While some MPs support Andy Burnham as a replacement, his return to Parliament is uncertain. Other potential candidates like Wes Streeting have had their ambitions denied by allies. The left-leaning MPs are reportedly concerned about a "Streeting coronation" and believe Angela Rayner lacks sufficient support, leading them to consider Miliband as an alternative.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces significant pressure to resign following substantial election losses for the Labour party across England, Wales, and Scotland. The party lost over 1,400 council seats in England and suffered defeats in devolved parliament elections, indicating a weakening of the traditional two-party system. Challengers including Reform UK, the Greens, and nationalist parties gained ground. Despite these setbacks, Starmer has stated he will continue as leader, though some MPs are calling for a departure timeline within months. Senior ministers publicly support Starmer, but internal concerns persist about his ability to regain public trust before the next national election in three years.

Keir Starmer has vowed to continue as leader of the Labour Party despite significant losses in recent local elections, with many seats falling to Reform UK. The results, described as "tough" by Starmer, saw Labour lose control of councils in its traditional heartlands in northern England and the Midlands. Some Labour MPs have called for Starmer's resignation, citing the poor performance. Starmer acknowledged the results reflect voter dissatisfaction with the pace of change and stated he would not resign, taking responsibility for the losses. Despite setbacks, Labour showed resilience in some London boroughs, though it lost control of Wandsworth and Westminster. The election outcomes suggest a decline in the traditional two-party system and a rise in Reform UK's popularity.

Early results from UK local elections indicate significant losses for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party, with Nigel Farage's Reform UK making unexpected gains, particularly in traditional Labour heartlands. By Friday morning, Labour had lost over 258 seats, while Reform UK secured 382. These elections are viewed as a critical test of Starmer's leadership, as Labour trails Reform UK in recent opinion polls. Starmer acknowledged the tough results and took responsibility but stated his resolve to deliver promised change. Major losses for Labour have occurred in "Red Wall" constituencies, areas historically loyal to the party. Reform UK's early successes include wins in Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region, challenging Labour's long-standing dominance in these areas.

Keir Starmer has vowed to continue as leader of the UK Labour Party despite significant losses in recent local elections. The results, which occurred on Friday, May 8, 2026, saw Labour punished by voters in traditional strongholds, particularly in central and northern England. The populist Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, emerged as a major beneficiary, gaining over 350 council seats in England and potentially becoming the main opposition in Scotland and Wales. These local election drubbings have intensified doubts about Starmer's ability to govern, though he remains defiant in his commitment to delivering change for Britain.

Labour leader Keir Starmer is making a last-minute appeal to voters considering the Green Party or Reform UK in England's local elections. Facing potential record losses, Starmer argued that these parties are unfit to lead during global instability and that only Labour prioritizes the national interest. He contrasted Labour's promise of progress with the "anger and division" of Reform and the "empty promises" of the Greens. Significant seat losses in these elections could pose an existential threat to Starmer's leadership. Labour hopes to mitigate negative perceptions by highlighting early gains in London, but is expected to face losses in historically Labour areas to Reform and also anticipates setbacks in Scottish and Welsh elections.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party faces significant local and devolved elections on Thursday, potentially marking a sharp setback after two years in power. Analysts predict Labour could experience its worst results in decades due to policy shifts and controversies, with gains expected for Reform UK on the right and the Green Party on the left. In Wales, Plaid Cymru is also polling strongly, challenging Labour's long-standing dominance. These elections are seen as a crucial indicator of the UK's increasingly fragmented political landscape, moving beyond typical local issues to reflect national sentiment. The first-past-the-post voting system, traditionally favoring two-party contests, is now being tested by a multi-party environment where votes are more dispersed.