A May 2026 poll conducted by The Guardian found that a majority of Labour members believe Keir Starmer cannot revive the party's fortunes following a series of devastating election results.

 

Most Labour members think Starmer cannot revive party fortunes, poll finds

A May 2026 poll conducted by The Guardian found that a majority of Labour members believe Keir Starmer cannot revive the party's fortunes following a series of devastating election results.

 

Key Findings and Political Impact

• Leadership Preference: Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has emerged as the preferred choice to replace Starmer, with 42% of surveyed members backing him.
• Election "Mauling": The poll follows a "historic drubbing" in the May 2026 local and regional elections, where Labour lost control of traditional heartlands like Birmingham City Council and suffered its first defeat in Wales in 100 years.
• Parliamentary Pressure: At least 20 Labour MPs have publicly called for Starmer to set a timetable for his resignation.
• Member Sentiment: Internal party division is high; prior to the May elections, YouGov reported that Labour voters were already split, with 48% viewing him negatively compared to 46% positively.

Broader Political Context (May 2026)

• Rise of Rivals: While Labour lost approximately 1,300 council seats, Reform UK saw a major breakthrough, winning over 1,400 seats and becoming the second-largest party in Wales.
• Public Unpopularity: Starmer's net favourability has reached historic lows, with some polls placing it as low as -57, comparable only to the lowest ratings of predecessors like Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss