Luton North MP Sarah Owen has said Prime Minister Keir Starmer must show he understands the scale of public dissatisfaction following Labour’s heavy local election losses — and warned that if there is “more of the same”, he should set out a timetable for an “orderly transition”.
Ms Owen is among a growing number of Labour MPs publicly voicing concern about the party’s direction after last week’s local elections saw Labour lose control of 35 councils and more than 1,460 seats across Britain, including a wipe out in Wales, while the Reform Party made significant gains.
The Prime Minister made a statement yesterday and has said he will not resign, but in a statement posted on Instagram, Ms Owen said the Sir Starmer’s response so far had not gone far enough.
She wrote: “The Prime Minister needs to show he understands the scale of the challenge facing our country. Today’s speech fell short and if it is just more of the same, then he has to lay a timetable for an orderly transition.”
However, Ms Owen also warned against any rushed attempt to remove the Prime Minister, arguing it could deepen instability during an uncertain international period as America’s war on Iran continues to have global ramifications.
She added: “Knee jerk reactions and a rushed process will only increase instability in an already unstable world – that would be unforgivable in the current global climate.”
The intervention comes amid mounting pressure on Starmer from sections of his own party after Labour’s poor performance in the local elections triggered renewed debate about his leadership.
According to national reports, more than 80 Labour MPs have either publicly called for the Prime Minister to resign immediately or urged him to outline an exit strategy.
Despite her criticism, Ms Owen defended parts of Labour’s record in government, pointing to measures on workers’ rights, renters’ protections and child poverty.
She said: “The Labour Government at its best has made some headway on reversing austerity, bringing in new rights for workers and renters, and taking children out of poverty but that has not been fast or far enough for people to really feel it in their pockets, and see it their communities.”
The Luton North MP added that both the country and the Labour Party needed a stronger connection with voters.
She said: “Our country and party simply cannot afford more of the same – people want politics and politicians who connect on a human level, are true to our Labour values and will deliver for our communities.”
Be the first to comment