Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) took responsibility for heavy losses in England's local elections this week and said he will not resign.
The result signals a significant shift in local governance and puts pressure on the Prime Minister's leadership as Reform UK gains ground in working-class regions.
Starmer addressed the results following a night of losses across England, including in council areas such as Golders Green in London. The Prime Minister said the party's performance was a result of internal failures.
"Labour made unnecessary mistakes and I take responsibility for the disappointing result," Starmer said.
Despite the setbacks, the Prime Minister indicated he intends to remain in his post. During a video interview with CNBC TV18, he addressed speculation regarding his future.
"I’m not going to walk away," Starmer said.
The losses were compounded by a surge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. Reports on the scale of the Reform UK gain vary, with figures ranging from over 350 seats [2] to more than 400 seats [3].
Labour's losses were felt heavily at the administrative level. The party lost control of eight councils in England [1].
Farage said the gains made by his party during the election cycle. He said Reform UK has taken more than 400 council seats in England [3].
Starmer's decision to stay in power follows a pattern of volatility in local voting, where Reform UK has successfully targeted areas that previously leaned toward Labour. The Prime Minister now faces the challenge of stabilizing his party's base while managing a fragmented local government landscape.
“"I’m not going to walk away."”
The surge of Reform UK at the expense of Labour suggests a fracturing of the traditional working-class vote in England. By taking responsibility while refusing to step down, Starmer is attempting to preempt internal party challenges and frame the losses as a tactical error rather than a fundamental failure of his leadership strategy.
