By Piru News Staff
Readers should confirm details with official election authorities.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the Labour Party’s poor performance in recent local elections “hurt,” but he intends to remain in office, according to reporting from BBC News, AP News, NBC News, TIME, Sky News, and Al Jazeera.
Local elections in the UK determine control of city councils and regional authorities, similar to municipal and county elections in the United States. These results do not decide who becomes prime minister, but they are widely viewed as a measure of public support.
BBC News reported that Starmer described the results as “very tough” and said he takes responsibility for the losses.
Labour Party Suffers Major Losses
Multiple outlets reported that Labour lost a significant number of local government seats:
- AP News reported Labour lost more than half the seats it was defending.
- NBC News reported Labour lost hundreds of local officials and control of several councils.
- TIME Magazine reported Labour had lost more than 900 seats with votes still being counted.
- The Independent reported Labour lost eight councils early in the count.
These figures reflect early and ongoing tallies and are not final certified results.
Reform UK Records Large Gains
Reform UK, a populist party led by Nigel Farage, made major gains across England.
Several outlets reported the scale of the party’s advance:
- AP News reported Reform UK won hundreds of seats, including in long‑time Labour areas.
- TIME reported Reform gained more than 1,000 seats nationwide.
- Al Jazeera reported Reform UK had won over 1,350 seats and 13 councils.
- Sky News reported Reform had more than 550 seats and control of four councils in earlier counts.
TIME reported that Farage called the results a “historic shift” in British politics.
Labour Faces Internal Pressure
Some Labour lawmakers publicly questioned Starmer’s leadership following the results:
- NBC News reported MPs Louise Haigh and Connor Naismith called for new leadership.
- The Independent reported former Labour leader Ed Miliband urged Starmer to consider setting a timetable for departure.
Starmer has said he will not resign.
Other Parties Make Gains
- The Green Party gained seats and won the Hackney mayoral race, according to BBC News.
- The Liberal Democrats gained control of councils including Portsmouth, Sky News reported.
- Plaid Cymru, a Welsh nationalist party, made gains in Wales, according to Al Jazeera.
Starmer Says He Will Continue Leading
Despite the losses, Starmer said he intends to stay in office.
“I will not walk away,” he said, according to BBC News and NBC News.
He said the party will review the results and “learn from them.”