As Labour grapples with a series of electoral setbacks, a new poll reveals a significant portion of the party’s membership believes that Keir Starmer is no longer fit to lead. Close to half of those surveyed are calling for him to step down, while many express a desire for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to take the reins. This growing discontent within Labour raises critical questions about the party’s future and its ability to regain lost ground.
Membership Discontent Grows
A recent Compass poll conducted among 1,000 Labour members indicates that 45% believe Starmer should resign, reflecting a stark decline in confidence regarding his leadership. The survey results show that 51% of respondents do not believe Starmer can rejuvenate the party’s fortunes, especially in light of disappointing results in the recent local elections across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The dissatisfaction is palpable. Just a few months ago, in October, only 28% of party members felt Starmer should resign if Labour performed poorly in the May elections. With the party now facing significant losses, including historic defeats to the SNP and the Greens, the tide has clearly turned against the current leadership.
The Rise of Andy Burnham
In a clear indication of shifting loyalties, 42% of participants in the poll expressed a preference for Burnham as their next leader. His net favourability rating among members stands at an impressive 72%, suggesting he would likely emerge victorious in any leadership contest—if he were permitted to run. Unfortunately for Burnham, Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has thus far blocked his attempts to secure a parliamentary seat, a move that has drawn ire from many within the party.
Supporters of Burnham, including several Labour MPs, are advocating for a clear timetable for Starmer’s resignation, arguing that it is vital for Burnham to have the opportunity to transition into a parliamentary role. The mayor’s potential candidacy has gained traction, especially as Labour members voice their concerns about the party’s direction under Starmer.
Electoral Setbacks and Party Morale
The political landscape for Labour has become increasingly bleak. In the recent elections, Labour lost ground to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which claimed hundreds of seats and gained control over numerous councils in England. The SNP’s fifth consecutive victory in Scotland further exemplifies Labour’s struggles, while Plaid Cymru’s success in Wales marks the end of a century-long dominance by Labour in the region.
These losses have not only affected the party’s standing in local politics but have also contributed to rising discontent among Labour members. More than a third of those polled are considering resigning their memberships, which signals a profound disillusionment with Starmer’s leadership.
Calls for Change
Lena Swedlow, the deputy director of Compass, emphasised the urgent need for change. “Voters made their displeasure with Starmer’s leadership heard on Thursday and now Labour members have too,” she noted. “There is a clear desire for change in both the politics and personnel of this government.” The message from party members is stark: they require a leader they can trust to navigate the severe economic challenges facing the country.
As pressure mounts, at least ten MPs have publicly urged Starmer to establish a timeline for his departure. Notable figures, including former transport secretary Louise Haigh and women and equalities select committee chair Sarah Owen, have joined the chorus calling for a leadership transition.
While Starmer remains in a precarious position, the NEC’s reluctance to facilitate Burnham’s parliamentary ambitions casts a long shadow over the discussions of leadership change. The party’s governing body has indicated that unless Starmer changes his stance, Burnham’s path to leadership will remain obstructed.
Why it Matters
The current turmoil within Labour is not just a reflection of internal dissent but a bellwether for the party’s viability in upcoming elections. With a significant portion of the membership losing faith in Starmer, the potential rise of Burnham presents an opportunity for revitalisation. As Labour faces a shifting political landscape, the decisions made in the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the party can reclaim its position as a formidable force in British politics. The implications of this leadership crisis extend beyond party lines; they resonate with a public eager for effective governance in times of uncertainty.
