Starmer Vows to Stay On as PM Despite Worst Labour Election Losses in Years

Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly refused to resign following Labour's historic local election losses on 8 May 2026, stating he would 'get on with the job' and that the government's reform programme needed time to deliver results. Starmer acknowledged voter frustration but framed the results as a consequence of a difficult economic inheritance including a £22bn fiscal gap left by the previous Conservative government. His refusal to stand down did not quell speculation about internal party pressure, with Westminster sources pointing to potential challenges from within Cabinet in coming months if the polling did not improve.