Story perspectives

90+ Labour MPs Call Starmer Resignation After Massive Local Losses

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Over 90 Labour MPs demanded Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation after the party’s worst local election defeats.
Five ministers, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, resigned after Streeting said he lost confidence in Starmer and will run for leader.
Labour lost 1,500 council seats, its control in Wales and fell to 17 seats in Scottish Parliament, while NEC cleared Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to stand in the Makerfield by-election.

History

Historical Context

The 2019 general election saw Labour fall to 202 seats, a loss of 60 seats and an eight-point drop in vote share, while the Conservatives won 365 seats under Boris Johnson. After Jeremy Corbyn stepped down, Keir Starmer became leader in April 2020. Today senior Labour MPs resigning echo that 2019 defeat, threatening another leadership challenge.

1 of 2

Story summary

Over 90 Labour MPs demanded Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation after the party’s worst local election defeats.
Five ministers, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, resigned after Streeting said he lost confidence in Starmer and will run for leader.
Labour lost 1,500 council seats, its control in Wales and fell to 17 seats in Scottish Parliament, while NEC cleared Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to stand in the Makerfield by-election.

1 / 2