The elections marked Starmer’s toughest political test since Labour defeated the Conservatives in the 2024 general election, with the party suffering significant setbacks in England, Wales and Scotland.
Labour lost control of several councils across England and faced a historic defeat in Wales, where the party lost dominance of the devolved parliament in Cardiff for the first time in 27 years. Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party, while Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK made major gains and pushed Labour into third place.
Speaking after the results, Starmer admitted the outcome was “very tough” and accepted responsibility, but insisted he would not resign.
“I’m not going to walk away and plunge the country into chaos,” he said.
The results also highlighted the growing strength of Reform UK, which gained nearly 1,500 councillors and took control of multiple councils across England. Farage described the outcome as a “historic shift in British politics,” claiming his party had broken through both Labour and Conservative strongholds.
The Conservatives also suffered heavy losses under leader Kemi Badenoch, while the Green Party and Liberal Democrats recorded gains in several regions.
In Scotland, the Scottish National Party remained the largest force despite losing seats, positioning itself to continue leading the devolved government.
Political analysts said the elections reflected increasing voter frustration with Britain’s traditional two-party system amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis and dissatisfaction with mainstream politics.
Pollster John Curtice described the results as evidence of unprecedented political fragmentation, with many Reform UK voters drawn by socially conservative views and concerns over immigration and Brexit.
Despite mounting pressure, Starmer continues to receive backing from senior Labour figures, and no clear challenger has yet emerged within the party.
