Starmer says he's 'not going to walk away' as early English council results show Labour losses and Reform gains
Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his commitment to leading Labour into the next election despite internal skepticism, while early council results show Labour losses and gains for Reform UK. Some Labour MPs, including Blairite supporters, suggest they could accept Andy Burnham as a future leader if Starmer’s leadership remains unstable.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has insisted he will not step down before the next general election, dismissing calls for a leadership contest as premature. While No 10 Downing Street has not pushed for his resignation, internal Labour divisions persist, with some MPs arguing the party’s challenges lie beyond Westminster. Early council election results indicate Labour’s struggles, as the party faces losses while Reform UK secures gains. The mood among Labour MPs remains tense, with private criticism of Starmer’s leadership still widespread but not yet public. Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seen as a potential successor by some ‘soft left’ MPs, who believe he could appeal more to voters than other contenders like Angela Rayner. Even Blairite MPs, previously resistant to Burnham, now suggest they could support him if Starmer’s leadership falters. The delay in addressing Labour’s leadership issues has left the party in a fragile state, with no immediate resolution in sight. Starmer’s stance has eased immediate pressure, but the underlying dissatisfaction among MPs suggests the debate is not settled.
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