Starmer Vows to Stay After Labour's Worst Election Losses
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave a speech on Monday. He spoke after Labour suffered its worst local election results in over 30 years.
Labour lost over 1,400 councillors and control of 38 councils. Reform UK gained more than 1,400 seats in the same elections.
Starmer said people are frustrated with him and he has doubters. He said he takes responsibility for the poor results.
He pledged to put matters right. He also said he will not walk away and risk plunging the country into chaos.
Starmer pledged to put Britain at the heart of Europe. This was part of his effort to restore confidence in his leadership.
A Labour MP threatened to seek a leadership contest if Starmer failed to offer real change. A leadership contest would need support from 81 Labour MPs.
Potential challengers include Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Starmer also appointed former Prime Minister Gordon Brown to a senior advisory role. Baroness Harriet Harman was given a senior advisory role too.
Key Terms 4
- councillors Elected local leaders who run towns and cities
- Reform UK A right-wing UK political party led by Nigel Farage
- leadership contest A vote within a party to choose a new leader
- backbench MP A member of parliament who is not in the cabinet