Headline: Labour MPs Increase Stop Plans Put Pressure on Starmer After Election Losses

Why this matters: Growing unrest among Labour MPs raises questions about government stability less than two years after election victory.

Date: 11 May 2026

Tags: UK Politics, Labour Party, Elections

Summary:

• Labour MP Catherine West withdrew plans to trigger a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer.

• West still called for Starmer to resign as prime minister by September.

• Around 40 Labour MPs have publicly urged Starmer to step down or set a departure timetable.

• Pressure on Starmer intensified after heavy Labour losses in local elections.

• Starmer said his government had made mistakes but defended its major political decisions.

• Labour MP Chris Curtis said Starmer’s speech failed to outline sufficient political change.

• Curtis backed calls for a leadership transition and suggested a shorter timetable than September.

• Some Labour MPs reportedly favour Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as a successor.

• Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Labour, saying the party lacked direction and leadership.

• Labour MP Catherine Atkinson defended Starmer and said most MPs support his leadership agenda.

What’s next: Attention will focus on whether Labour MPs organise further leadership pressure and whether Andy Burnham seeks a return to Parliament.