Starmer under pressure: “Swapping leaders won’t fix problems,” says former Labour adviser

Starmer under pressure: “Swapping leaders won’t fix problems,” says former Labour adviser UK

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11:57

Issued on: 10/05/2026 - 23:55

11:57 min Share From the show Reading time 1 min

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under growing pressure following disappointing local election results, which saw Labour lose a significant number of council seats and marked a strong advance for Reform UK. The outcome has reignited questions about his leadership and fuelled speculation about a potential challenge from within the party, with backbench MP Catherine West among those suggesting she could move to trigger a leadership contest if no Cabinet figure steps forward first. The situation comes as Starmer prepares to deliver a key speech on Monday, widely seen as an attempt to reset his message and reassert authority. France 24’s Gavin Lee is joined by Paul Richards, former Labour adviser under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and columnist, to discuss the implications for Starmer and the party’s future.

Produced by Gavin Lee, Alessandro Xenos, Maya Yataghene, Guillaume Gougeon and Daniel Whittington

By: Gavin LEE Alessandro XENOS Guillaume GOUGEON Maya YATAGHENE Video by: Alessandro XENOS Gavin LEE Guillaume GOUGEON Advertising Related keywords

• UK
• Labour Party
• Keir Starmer
• elections
• Reform UK
• Nigel Farage
• Gordon Brown