Labour Top Brass Backs Starmer After Election Loss, But Urges PM to 'Step Up'

The Labour Party leadership is standing firm behind Keir Starmer despite a painful defeat in the recent local elections across England. While some party members have called for Starmer's resignation, Deputy Leader Lucy Powell has publicly backed the prime minister, emphasizing that the party must improve its performance.

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We have to do better as a party and the prime minister knows that.

Powell acknowledged that the election results are a reflection of the government's shortcomings and that Starmer takes responsibility. "He says we need to change, he has heard what people are saying," Powell stated in a BBC interview. She argued that a leadership challenge would distract from the crucial task of developing a new policy direction for the party and the government.

Despite over 20 Labour MPs reportedly wanting Starmer to step down, Powell maintained that no one benefits from his departure. She warned that if the party does not improve, Nigel Farage's Reform UK could potentially win power within a few years. Former Labour minister Harriet Harman also supports Starmer, urging him to "step up" and turn the tide, while acknowledging he has made "unavoidable mistakes" since taking leadership in a difficult situation.

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He has to step up.

This internal debate highlights the pressure on Starmer to deliver results and regain public trust. While the party leadership remains united for now, the upcoming period will be critical for Starmer to demonstrate his ability to reverse Labour's fortunes and present a compelling alternative to the current government, especially with the looming threat of Reform UK.

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The party must do better, and Keir Starmer realizes that as well as anyone.