Sir Keir Starmer vows to stay on as prime minister despite severe losses in local elections, where the Labour Party has shed hundreds of councillor seats and control of eight councils. Criticism of his leadership intensifies since taking office in July 2024, fueled by policy U-turns and the recent Peter Mandelson security vetting controversy. These elections serve as a key test, with early results amplifying calls for change.
On Friday morning, Starmer acknowledged the poor outcomes, stating, “These are tough results but tough days like this, they don’t weaken my resolve to deliver the change that I promised at the general election, they strengthen my resolve to do so.”
Speculation surrounds his future, as reports indicate energy secretary Ed Miliband urged him to outline a departure timeline. Deputy prime minister David Lammy countered by warning the party against treating leadership like “pass the parcel” amid the setbacks.
The election drubbing opens the door for ambitious Labour figures positioning for a leadership contest. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham leads in popularity, followed closely by former deputy Angela Rayner and health secretary Wes Streeting.
Andy Burnham
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham enjoys strong support among Labour MPs, members, and the public. Recent YouGov polling shows 34% of Britons view him as better suited for prime minister than Starmer.
Burnham has dodged questions on a leadership run for months and drew attention at last September’s Labour conference, where dozens of MPs reportedly encouraged his challenge. Lacking a parliamentary seat, he cannot formally bid yet.
Earlier this year, Burnham sought nomination for the safe northwest seat of Gorton and Denton but faced blockage from Labour’s National Executive Committee, cited over potential by-election costs. Critics see factional motives linked to leadership fears. Allies now claim he has a strategy to regain MP status, including an impressive mayoral replacement candidate.
Angela Rayner
Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyme, resigned from cabinet last September over underpaid stamp duty on her Brighton flat. Popular on Labour’s soft left, she ranks among likely challengers.
Rayner recently warned Labour is “running out of time” to deliver change and risks “going through the motions in the face of decline.” Rumors of a joint bid with Burnham surfaced after their meeting this month, vital as she trails him in polls at 15% favorability over Starmer.
Signals remain mixed on fully ousting Starmer; he called her “hugely talented” in December and reportedly offered a cabinet return pre-elections. Her tax investigation must conclude first, expected soon.
Wes Streeting
Health secretary Wes Streeting emerges as the cabinet’s prime internal threat, securing backing from over 81 MPs—enough to trigger a contest. A Downing Street staffer accidentally texted campaign details, including his “five pillars” and “PFG” plan for government.
On Labour’s right, Streeting connects publicly with charisma. Buzz intensified late last year amid briefings against his ambitions. He decried No. 10’s “toxic culture” in November and published critical messages with Lord Mandelson on economic and Middle East policies, breaching collective responsibility to counter smears.
Challenges include perceptions of right-wing leanings and weak support, with polls at 13% preferring him over Starmer.
Ed Miliband
Energy secretary Ed Miliband resurfaces as a surprise contender over a decade after his 2015 defeat. He champions green energy and net zero, gaining traction with young social media users.
The Mandelson scandal sharpened his critiques; he informed broadcasters last week of raising appointment concerns with David Lammy. A supporter noted, “He has the energy and enthusiasm. He is loved by younger members of the party. He is a new man from when he was last leader.”
Miliband denies leadership aims, and polls show only 13% see him outperforming Starmer.
