Guardian UK Politics
Keir Starmer to launch local elections campaign with focus on cost of living
Keir Starmer is launching Labour's local elections campaign around a "Pride in Britain" slogan, warning voters that switching to Reform UK would jeopardise progress on the cost of living. The Prime Minister is also pointing to global instability, including conflict involving Iran, as a reason to stick with Labour. The push comes as the party braces for difficult results in Wales and Scotland.
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MPs wary of move against Starmer while war is raging
Labour MPs are holding back calls for a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer despite mounting electoral pressure, with the ongoing conflict with Iran giving pause to those who might otherwise move against him. The calculation is straightforward: ousting a wartime prime minister carries significant political risk, even for a party bruised by poor local election results. For now, the instinct for self-preservation is outweighing internal discontent.
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Starmer says UK won’t get ‘dragged into Iran war’ as Labour launches its local elections campaign – UK politics live
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged that Britain will not be drawn into a war with Iran, as Labour kicks off its local elections campaign with a message focused on national stability and social cohesion. Starmer used the launch to take direct aim at Conservative shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy, accusing him of stoking division by criticising Muslims praying in public. The remarks signal Labour's intent to draw a sharp contrast with the Tories on issues of community relations heading into the local vote.
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May elections come at time of war on two fronts, Starmer says
Britain heads to the polls on 7 May with Keir Starmer framing the moment as one of acute national pressure, citing the ongoing Ukraine conflict and tensions with Iran alongside a renewed squeeze on household finances. The prime minister used the Labour local elections campaign launch in Wolverhampton to position his government as a steady hand amid overlapping crises. The dual message — security abroad, relief at home — sets the tone for what Labour hopes will be a strong showing in English councils.
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Starmer pledges to tackle new cost of living crisis at May elections campaign launch
Keir Starmer launched Labour's local election campaign in Wolverhampton, framing the 7 May vote around the cost of living crisis and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The pitch comes as the party braces for significant losses at the polls, with voter frustration over economic pressures mounting. Starmer's decision to lean into domestic hardship signals Labour's awareness that traditional support is under serious strain.
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