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Starmer must go before next election, say Labour-backing unions
Eleven Labour-backing unions said it is clear Keir Starmer will not lead Labour into the next election and called for a plan to elect a new leader. The unions met on May 12, 2026 without the prime minister and issued a joint statement urging a change in Labour's direction. They described last week's election results as devastating and pressed for a fundamental shift in policy and strategy.
Why It Matters
The unions’ stance increases pressure on Starmer and could accelerate discussions about a leadership timetable ahead of the next general election.
Timeline
2 Events
Nick Thomas-Symonds says there is no leadership contest and Labour is moving on
May 12, 2026
Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds acknowledged it has been turbulent for the prime minister but said there is no contest for the leadership of the Labour Party. He stated the leadership contest hasn't been triggered and that Labour is moving on with delivery.
Unions meet without Starmer and call for a new Labour leader before the next election
May 12, 2026
Eleven unions affiliated to Labour, including Unite, Unison and GMB, met on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer's absence. They published a joint statement saying it is clear he will not lead Labour into the next election and that at some stage a plan must be put in place for the election of a new leader. The statement described Labour's results from last week's elections as devastating, called for a fundamental change of direction on economic policy and political strategy, and noted divisions within Labour's cabinet and backbench MPs. Some unions favoured a timetable for Starmer's departure, while Community and GMB were wary of leadership rows. All unions agreed that Labour should be re-oriented to working people and that a shared policy and strategy vision was needed.