The results of the May 2026 local elections and devolved votes have left the Labour Party in deep trouble. Just two years after winning a strong majority in the general election, Keir Starmer’s government has suffered major losses across England, Scotland, and Wales. Many people are now asking whether the Prime Minister can remain in charge until the next national vote in 2029.
Labour lost more than 1,100 council seats in England. The party also gave up control of several important local authorities, including some long-held areas in the North and Midlands. Reform UK made huge gains, picking up over 1,300 seats in many places. Other parties, such as the Greens and Liberal Democrats, also improved their positions. In Wales, Labour lost power, while the SNP strengthened its hold in Scotland.
These elections have become a clear test of public feeling towards the current government. Many voters expressed anger over rising living costs, cuts to winter fuel payments, slow progress on the NHS, and immigration levels. Traditional Labour supporters in working-class areas appear to have switched to Reform UK, while some younger and progressive voters moved to the Greens.
Growing Calls for Change Inside Labour
Pressure on Starmer is coming from many directions. A recent poll of more than 1,000 Labour members showed that 45% want him to step down. Over half of those surveyed do not believe he can improve the party’s chances. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, was the most popular choice as a possible replacement.
Around 20 to 30 Labour MPs have now publicly called for Starmer to resign or set a clear timetable for leaving. Some backbenchers worry that continuing with the current leadership could lead to a heavy defeat in 2029. Private conversations within the party suggest even wider unhappiness.
Despite this, Starmer has made his position clear. After the results, he said the elections were “tough” and took responsibility for the losses. However, he added that he was chosen to lead the country through difficult times and would not walk away. He believes stepping down now would create unnecessary chaos. Several senior ministers, including Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner, continue to support him in public.
What Went Wrong?
Labour’s 2024 victory was built on widespread dislike of the previous Conservative government rather than strong love for Starmer’s plans. Once in power, the party faced hard choices. Promises of better public services clashed with tight budgets. Decisions on taxes, green policies, and migration have upset different voter groups.
Reform UK has taken advantage of concerns about immigration, housing, and national identity. At the same time, the party has struggled to keep hold of voters who wanted faster change on issues like climate and social justice. Recent national polls reflect this shift. Reform UK often leads with around 25%, while Labour sits in the high teens, sometimes trading places with the Conservatives and Greens.
Starmer’s personal approval ratings have fallen sharply. Many voters feel the government has not delivered quick improvements in their daily lives.
Challenges Ahead
Removing a Labour leader is not easy. Party rules need a high level of support from MPs to trigger a formal contest. While the number of critics is rising, it has not yet reached the required level. However, more poor results in future by-elections or local elections could change this quickly.
If Starmer stays, he must find ways to show real progress on the economy, waiting lists in hospitals, and border control. His supporters say he needs time to deliver results and that mid-term difficulties are normal for governing parties.
Critics argue that the scale of the recent losses points to deeper problems. The rise of Reform UK suggests British politics is becoming more fragmented. Old voting patterns are breaking down, and Labour must adapt or risk being squeezed from both sides.Laila Cunningham: New Sheriff in Town Challenging Sadiq Khan in the London Mayor Race 2028
The road to 2029 is long. Much can change in three years. Economic growth, international events, or mistakes by other parties could help Labour recover. Yet if current trends continue, the party faces an uphill battle.
Starmer remains determined to fight on. He believes he is the right person to steer the country through tough global and domestic challenges. Whether he gets the chance to lead into the next general election will depend on how he responds to these latest warnings from voters and his own party.
The coming months will be critical. Further local fallout, parliamentary debates, and new polls will show if Starmer can rebuild trust or if the pressure will become too great. For now, he is holding firm, but the questions about his long-term future will not go away easily.www.seznam.cz