— We have lost brilliant Labor councilors across the country, people who gave so much to their communities and to our party. It hurts and it should hurt, I take responsibility for it, Starmer said in his first post-election comment.
The success of the Reform UK party
However, Starmer assured that this “difficult result will not weaken his determination to implement the promised changes” and he has “no intention of shying away from challenges”.
The results so far confirm earlier polls, which predicted a severe defeat for the Labor Party. Starmer's formation decisively won the 2024 parliamentary elections, achieving one of the best results in history. The result of Thursday's local elections may be the worst in the history of the Labor Party.
Starmer had previously announced that he would lead the party and the government until the next parliamentary elections, which should be held by 2029. However, even before Thursday's local elections, there were voices in the Labor Party about a possible change of leader.
The Prime Minister continues to enjoy the support of his ministers. — You don't change the pilot during the flight, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice David Lammy on Friday. Defense Minister John Healey, in turn, said that “possible chaos resulting from a change of leader” is the last thing voters would want, and Starmer “may yet turn the situation around.”
