Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s former ally and Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons has become the latest Labour MP to call for the resignation of the PM. Simons said the prime minister has “lost the country” as he called on him to set out a timetable for his departure from 10 Downing Street.&nbsp;“This is bigger than any one person. All of us must be honest about these challenges, including those vying to replace the prime minister. We need radicalism, energy, and immense courage,” he wrote in the Sunday Times.Simons was forced to resign in March amid a probe into claims that a Labour think tank he once ran paid for an investigation to “smear” journalists.&nbsp;One of Labour’s biggest union backers also warned that the party is at risk of “going extinct” if it does not change direction and Sir Keir attempts to fend off a leadership ultimatum.&nbsp;Labour MP Catherine West has also issued an ultimatum to cabinet members, telling them to challenge Sir Keir by Monday, or she will start formally gathering names to trigger a contest.PM Starmer has, meanwhile, vowed to lead Labour into the next general election and promised to forge closer ties with Europe as he deals with the fallout from disastrous results for the party in the local election.&nbsp;<h2>Can an MP launch a leadership challenge?</h2>&nbsp;Every political party has its own set of rules for ousting a leader. In Labour party, a leadership election can be triggered only if the leader resigns, or if 20 per cent of MPs nominate a challenger, which means Catherine West needs to get 81 people to back her in her nominating a single person.West said she does not have a candidate yet, but says “there are several people who would like to do it, who have been planning for months”.Labour Party members and affiliated supporters are eligible to vote.&nbsp;Starmer is under immense pressure over his leadership after Labour party suffered devastating electoral losses across the country.&nbsp;<h2>‘We have a problem and we have to move quickly’</h2>&nbsp;“We have a problem and we have to move quickly, said Catherine West on Sunday morning, after threatening to challenge Starmer unless the cabinet can agree on a replacement.On Saturday, she said she would challenge the PM herself if a cabinet minister didn’t step forward by Monday.&nbsp;Starmer will try to reset his premiership in a major speech on Monday before Wednesday’s King’s Speech, in which the government will set out the new laws it intends to pass in the coming year.

Labour MP Catherine West has also issued an ultimatum to cabinet members, telling them to challenge PM Keir Starmer by Monday, or she will start formally gathering names to trigger a contest. PM Starmer has, meanwhile, vowed to lead Labour into the next general election.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s former ally and Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons has become the latest Labour MP to call for the resignation of the PM. Simons said the prime minister has “lost the country” as he called on him to set out a timetable for his departure from 10 Downing Street. “This is bigger than any one person. All of us must be honest about these challenges, including those vying to replace the prime minister. We need radicalism, energy, and immense courage,” he wrote in the Sunday Times. Simons was forced to resign in March amid a probe into claims that a Labour think tank he once ran paid for an investigation to “smear” journalists. One of Labour’s biggest union backers also warned that the party is at risk of “going extinct” if it does not change direction and Sir Keir attempts to fend off a leadership ultimatum. Labour MP Catherine West has also issued an ultimatum to cabinet members, telling them to challenge Sir Keir by Monday, or she will start formally gathering names to trigger a contest. PM Starmer has, meanwhile, vowed to lead Labour into the next general election and promised to forge closer ties with Europe as he deals with the fallout from disastrous results for the party in the local election. Can an MP launch a leadership challenge? Every political party has its own set of rules for ousting a leader. In Labour party, a leadership election can be triggered only if the leader resigns, or if 20 per cent of MPs nominate a challenger, which means Catherine West needs to get 81 people to back her in her nominating a single person. West said she does not have a candidate yet, but says “there are several people who would like to do it, who have been planning for months”. Labour Party members and affiliated supporters are eligible to vote. Starmer is under immense pressure over his leadership after Labour party suffered devastating electoral losses across the country. ‘We have a problem and we have to move quickly’ “We have a problem and we have to move quickly, said Catherine West on Sunday morning, after threatening to challenge Starmer unless the cabinet can agree on a replacement. On Saturday, she said she would challenge the PM herself if a cabinet minister didn’t step forward by Monday. Starmer will try to reset his premiership in a major speech on Monday before Wednesday’s King’s Speech, in which the government will set out the new laws it intends to pass in the coming year.

Labour MP Catherine West has also issued an ultimatum to cabinet members, telling them to challenge PM Keir Starmer by Monday, or she will start formally gathering names to trigger a contest. PM Starmer has, meanwhile, vowed to lead Labour into the next general election.

‘Starmer has lost the country, should resign as PM,’ says former Labour ally

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to resign in the face of local election losses for his Labour Party in what is being seen as a 'midterm' litmus test for his government. With the Reform Party gaining in English council election results and Labour losing several seats as trends trickled in on Friday (May 8), Starmer is under severe pressure.&nbsp;<h2>UK latest election results: Labour's heavy losses</h2>Thursday's elections were the first major polls since Labour's 2024 general election landslide victory. Dozens of English council results are showing a clear pattern of Labour losses, bringing it down by hundreds of seats. Labour is on course to lose control of multiple local authorities, having lost majorities in Southampton, Wandsworth and Tameside.Besides heavy drops in traditional strongholds, Labour is projected to lose between 1,500 and 1,900 seats in various elections.&nbsp;Local elections and Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd contests have also been bad for Labour. It could potentially lose the popular vote in Wales for the first time in decades.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-local-body-election-results-small-gains-for-greens-lib-dems-conservatives-suffer-big-losses-1778214600113/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-local-body-election-results-small-gains-for-greens-lib-dems-conservatives-suffer-big-losses-1778214600113/embed</a><h2>Starmer holds firm amid bad local election results&nbsp;</h2>There is internal Labour unease amid Reform UK's surge, which has put Starmer's leadership under question. He could face further troubles in the coming months.Starmer called the results tough, but refused to leave. Speaking in Ealing, west London, Starmer said: “The results are tough, they are very tough, and there’s no sugarcoating it. We have lost brilliant Labour representatives across the country... And that hurts, and it should hurt, and I take responsibility.” But he insisted he will carry on, saying such days "don’t weaken my resolve to deliver the change that I promised.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-elections-who-is-zack-polanski-former-hypnotherapist-and-openly-gay-leader-of-the-green-party-1778136638825">UK elections: Who is Zack Polanski, former hypnotherapist and openly gay leader of the Green Party?</a><h2>Rise of Reform UK as Labour loses even in strongholds</h2>Meanwhile, Nigel Farage's Reform UK is enjoying a surge, winning up to 300 seats in early count projections. This includes strong showings in so-called 'Red Wall' areas like Hartlepool, where they won most seats. Reform UK took control of at least one council and made breakthroughs in working-class northern and eastern areas too.Reform appears to have capitalised on discontent over taxes, immigration, winter fuel payments, and the cost of living.Conservatives, the other traditional major party, also lost seats but held some ground in places.Liberal Democrats and Greens had modest to solid gains in certain areas.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keir-starmer-denies-rift-trump-uk-hormuz-operation-1773661379152">Keir Starmer denies rift with Donald Trump, says UK won’t be drawn into wider war</a><h2>Polls are dire for Labour, but Starmer feels he will survive</h2>Recent opinion polls, including an early May YouGov survey, favoured Reform at 25 per cent, against Labour at 18 per cent. Starmer's net favourability was deeply negative at -45, with his government also recording poor ratings.Some Labour MPs and figures like Ed Miliband are allegedly suggesting a departure timeline for Starmer. No obvious successor is ready to unify the party, with some fearing that such a leadership challenge would cause more damage to the party.<h2>Starmer still has time, but for how long?</h2>Starmer said he will continue to lead, saying: "I had a five-year mandate to deliver change. I intend to get on with what I was elected to do, which is deliver that change.”But he has a tough road ahead unless he turns things around quickly for the Labour government and addresses voter concerns.Starmer's confidence is probably coming from the fact that British general elections aren't due until 2029, unless of course, he resigns.&nbsp;Some Labour leaders had survived bad local elections, like Tony Blair did in 1999.Labour allies have been firmly behind Starmer, who said he wouldn't accept any 'timetables' for resignation. Some of his cabinet ministers warned against a leadership challenge, citing possible chaos.Removing a PM requires a serious internal revolt or no-confidence mechanisms that aren't on the immediate horizon. But if Labour's poor performance continues, along with more election losses and economic woes, Starmer's position could become untenable later this year or in 2027.

2026 United Kingdom elections: Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure after Labour suffered heavy local election losses as Reform UK surged across England, Wales and Scotland. The British PM insists he will continue. But for how long?

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to resign in the face of local election losses for his Labour Party in what is being seen as a 'midterm' litmus test for his government. With the Reform Party gaining in English council election results and Labour losing several seats as trends trickled in on Friday (May 8), Starmer is under severe pressure. UK latest election results: Labour's heavy losses Thursday's elections were the first major polls since Labour's 2024 general election landslide victory. Dozens of English council results are showing a clear pattern of Labour losses, bringing it down by hundreds of seats. Labour is on course to lose control of multiple local authorities, having lost majorities in Southampton, Wandsworth and Tameside. Besides heavy drops in traditional strongholds, Labour is projected to lose between 1,500 and 1,900 seats in various elections. Local elections and Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd contests have also been bad for Labour. It could potentially lose the popular vote in Wales for the first time in decades. https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-local-body-election-results-small-gains-for-greens-lib-dems-conservatives-suffer-big-losses-1778214600113/embed Starmer holds firm amid bad local election results There is internal Labour unease amid Reform UK's surge, which has put Starmer's leadership under question. He could face further troubles in the coming months. Starmer called the results tough, but refused to leave. Speaking in Ealing, west London, Starmer said: “The results are tough, they are very tough, and there’s no sugarcoating it. We have lost brilliant Labour representatives across the country... And that hurts, and it should hurt, and I take responsibility.” But he insisted he will carry on, saying such days "don’t weaken my resolve to deliver the change that I promised.” Also read: UK elections: Who is Zack Polanski, former hypnotherapist and openly gay leader of the Green Party? Rise of Reform UK as Labour loses even in strongholds Meanwhile, Nigel Farage's Reform UK is enjoying a surge, winning up to 300 seats in early count projections. This includes strong showings in so-called 'Red Wall' areas like Hartlepool, where they won most seats. Reform UK took control of at least one council and made breakthroughs in working-class northern and eastern areas too. Reform appears to have capitalised on discontent over taxes, immigration, winter fuel payments, and the cost of living. Conservatives, the other traditional major party, also lost seats but held some ground in places. Liberal Democrats and Greens had modest to solid gains in certain areas. Also read: Keir Starmer denies rift with Donald Trump, says UK won’t be drawn into wider war Polls are dire for Labour, but Starmer feels he will survive Recent opinion polls, including an early May YouGov survey, favoured Reform at 25 per cent, against Labour at 18 per cent. Starmer's net favourability was deeply negative at -45, with his government also recording poor ratings. Some Labour MPs and figures like Ed Miliband are allegedly suggesting a departure timeline for Starmer. No obvious successor is ready to unify the party, with some fearing that such a leadership challenge would cause more damage to the party. Starmer still has time, but for how long? Starmer said he will continue to lead, saying: "I had a five-year mandate to deliver change. I intend to get on with what I was elected to do, which is deliver that change.” But he has a tough road ahead unless he turns things around quickly for the Labour government and addresses voter concerns. Starmer's confidence is probably coming from the fact that British general elections aren't due until 2029, unless of course, he resigns. Some Labour leaders had survived bad local elections, like Tony Blair did in 1999. Labour allies have been firmly behind Starmer, who said he wouldn't accept any 'timetables' for resignation. Some of his cabinet ministers warned against a leadership challenge, citing possible chaos. Removing a PM requires a serious internal revolt or no-confidence mechanisms that aren't on the immediate horizon. But if Labour's poor performance continues, along with more election losses and economic woes, Starmer's position could become untenable later this year or in 2027.

2026 United Kingdom elections: Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure after Labour suffered heavy local election losses as Reform UK surged across England, Wales and Scotland. The British PM insists he will continue. But for how long?

UK local elections put PM Starmer under pressure but he insists on continuing. For how long?

Polling is underway across the United Kingdom in a crucial round of local, mayoral and parliamentary elections on Thursday (May 07), marking the biggest electoral challenge for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour government since the 2024 general election.Millions of voters across England, Scotland and Wales are casting their ballots on Thursday in contests that could reshape the political landscape across Britain. The results are expected to provide an early indication of public sentiment towards Labour’s national government and the growing strength of smaller political parties.&nbsp;The elections are being closely watched as Britain moves further towards a multi-party political system. Both Labour and the Conservatives have struggled in opinion polls in recent months, while parties such as Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have expanded their support base.<h2>England elections see fierce battle for council control</h2>In England, voters are electing 5,066 councillors across 136 local authorities, including all 32 London boroughs. Six mayoral contests are also taking place in Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Watford.&nbsp;Labour enters the elections as the dominant force in local government and is defending control in 66 councils. The Conservatives are defending nearly 1,200 seats but remain under pressure after heavy setbacks in previous local polls. The Liberal Democrats and Green Party are aiming to strengthen their influence in several councils, while Reform UK has fielded candidates across most seats in an attempt to challenge Britain’s traditional two-party structure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-confirms-killing-hezbollah-commander-in-beirut-in-first-attack-since-ceasefire-1778152121007">‘In the heart of Beirut’: Netanyahu confirms killing Hezbollah commander in Israeli strikes</a><h2>Scotland and Wales contests carry high political stakes</h2>In Scotland, all 129 seats in the Scottish Parliament are being contested. The ruling Scottish National Party is attempting to retain its position as the largest party under First Minister John Swinney.&nbsp;The SNP is defending 64 seats following a turbulent period marked by leadership changes after the resignations of Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf. Scottish Labour is seeking to build on the momentum gained during the 2024 Westminster election and challenge SNP dominance at Holyrood.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Wales is witnessing a historic election as the Senedd expands from 60 to 96 seats under a new proportional representation system. Welsh Labour, led by First Minister Eluned Morgan, is defending its long-standing hold over Welsh politics.&nbsp;However, the new electoral structure is expected to intensify competition, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK posing strong challenges to Labour’s dominance in Cardiff Bay.

The elections are being closely watched as Britain moves towards a more competitive multi-party political system, with Labour and the Conservatives struggling in recent opinion polls while Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens continue to expand their support base.

Polling is underway across the United Kingdom in a crucial round of local, mayoral and parliamentary elections on Thursday (May 07), marking the biggest electoral challenge for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour government since the 2024 general election. Millions of voters across England, Scotland and Wales are casting their ballots on Thursday in contests that could reshape the political landscape across Britain. The results are expected to provide an early indication of public sentiment towards Labour’s national government and the growing strength of smaller political parties. The elections are being closely watched as Britain moves further towards a multi-party political system. Both Labour and the Conservatives have struggled in opinion polls in recent months, while parties such as Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have expanded their support base. England elections see fierce battle for council control In England, voters are electing 5,066 councillors across 136 local authorities, including all 32 London boroughs. Six mayoral contests are also taking place in Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Watford. Labour enters the elections as the dominant force in local government and is defending control in 66 councils. The Conservatives are defending nearly 1,200 seats but remain under pressure after heavy setbacks in previous local polls. The Liberal Democrats and Green Party are aiming to strengthen their influence in several councils, while Reform UK has fielded candidates across most seats in an attempt to challenge Britain’s traditional two-party structure. Also Read: ‘In the heart of Beirut’: Netanyahu confirms killing Hezbollah commander in Israeli strikes Scotland and Wales contests carry high political stakes In Scotland, all 129 seats in the Scottish Parliament are being contested. The ruling Scottish National Party is attempting to retain its position as the largest party under First Minister John Swinney. The SNP is defending 64 seats following a turbulent period marked by leadership changes after the resignations of Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf. Scottish Labour is seeking to build on the momentum gained during the 2024 Westminster election and challenge SNP dominance at Holyrood. Meanwhile, Wales is witnessing a historic election as the Senedd expands from 60 to 96 seats under a new proportional representation system. Welsh Labour, led by First Minister Eluned Morgan, is defending its long-standing hold over Welsh politics. However, the new electoral structure is expected to intensify competition, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK posing strong challenges to Labour’s dominance in Cardiff Bay.

The elections are being closely watched as Britain moves towards a more competitive multi-party political system, with Labour and the Conservatives struggling in recent opinion polls while Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens continue to expand their support base.

UK elections 2026: Polling underway across England, Scotland and Wales in major political test for Starmer govt

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‘Starmer has lost the country, should resign as PM,’ says former Labour ally

UK local election results put Starmer under pressure but he won't quit

England, Scotland and Wales head to polls in contests set to reshape UK politics