Labour MPs Want New Leader After Election Losses

Labour MPs are calling for a leadership change after a major loss in local elections. This is a bigger setback than expected.
By Newsroom | Politics, United Kingdom |

Following a significant electoral downturn, a contingent of Labour MPs are publicly demanding Sir Keir Starmer either resign or commit to a clear timeline for his departure. This internal pressure follows a "crushing defeat" in recent local and devolved elections, with the party experiencing what has been described as a "near-wipeout" in Wales, including the loss of a minister's seat.

Starmer rebel floodgates open as government ministerial aides QUIT to join scores of Labour MPs telling PM he must go - 1

The growing dissent suggests a deep-seated frustration within the party, with some MPs explicitly stating that Starmer is "not the right leader for the next election" and that the "leadership must change with immediate effect if we want to recover." Some voices within the party also express concern that the current leadership "doesn't get it," failing to connect with the electorate's message. This discontent has manifested in calls for a "clear transition and timeline for new leadership."

Read More: Labour party election losses November 2026 and Starmer leadership crisis

Starmer rebel floodgates open as government ministerial aides QUIT to join scores of Labour MPs telling PM he must go - 2

The situation is further complicated by recent moves to reintegrate previously "rebellious" backbenchers into the Parliamentary Labour Party, a development that occurred amidst these growing calls for leadership change. Separately, there are reports suggesting discontent over potential manifesto breaches regarding taxation, with some urging against tax hikes in the upcoming budget.

Starmer rebel floodgates open as government ministerial aides QUIT to join scores of Labour MPs telling PM he must go - 3

Background to the Discontent

The calls for Starmer's resignation intensified following widespread disappointment with Labour's performance in local and devolved contests. One MP noted that the criticism directed at Starmer is "the strongest I’ve ever known." This sentiment echoes earlier calls for a change in leadership, with some historical figures also voicing similar concerns. The election results have led to projections of Labour potentially falling to third place in Scotland, behind the SNP and Reform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Labour MPs asking Sir Keir Starmer to change leadership?
Labour MPs are calling for a change in leadership after the party had very bad results in recent local and devolved elections. They feel the current leader is not the right person for the next general election.
Q: What happened in the recent elections?
The Labour Party lost many seats in local and devolved elections, described as a 'near-wipeout' in Wales. Some projections show Labour could fall to third place in Scotland.
Q: What do the MPs want to happen next?
Some Labour MPs want Sir Keir Starmer to resign immediately or give a clear plan for when a new leader will take over. They believe a change is needed now for the party to recover.
Q: Are there other issues causing problems for the Labour leader?
Yes, there are reports of worry about the party's election promises, especially concerning potential tax increases in the next budget. Some members do not want higher taxes.