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Starmer rejects leadership concerns ahead of key elections
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly dismissed speculation about his leadership, asserting he will still hold office this time next year. In an exclusive interview with the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer stated that upcoming elections in Scotland, Wales, and England in May are not a referendum on his government.
Economic and political challenges
Starmer's remarks follow a turbulent 2025, marked by sluggish economic growth, declining poll numbers, and internal party whispers about a potential leadership challenge. In his New Year's Day address, he pledged to counter "decline and division" and promised tangible improvements for citizens in 2026.
Reaffirming his commitment to a five-year mandate, Starmer told the BBC: "I was elected in 2024 to change the country, and that's what I intend to do. I'll be judged at the next election on whether I've delivered on what matters most to people."
Government priorities as Parliament reconvenes
With Parliament resuming on Monday after the Christmas recess, Starmer is set to chair his first Cabinet meeting of 2026 the following day. He plans to emphasize the government's focus on easing the cost-of-living crisis, telling ministers: "Families are still worried, and there will be no let-up in our efforts to improve their lives."
Defending stability amid criticism
Starmer contrasted his leadership with the previous Conservative government, which he described as plagued by "constant chopping and changing" that led to "utter chaos." He argued that such instability contributed to the Tories' decisive defeat in the last election and vowed to avoid repeating it.
"Nobody wants to go back to that. It's not in our national interest. I will be sitting in this seat by 2027-and if this interview works, we can do it again next January."
Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
High-stakes elections loom in May
Starmer's comments come just over five months before critical elections on 7 May for the Welsh Senedd, Scottish Parliament, and numerous local councils in England. Labour currently holds power in the Senedd and controls many urban councils in England, making the outcomes pivotal for the party's standing.
Recent controversies and opposition attacks
The government has faced a series of setbacks in recent months, including allegations of a leadership plot involving Health Secretary Wes Streeting in November. Streeting dismissed the claims as "self-defeating nonsense." Other missteps included a perceived U-turn on income tax hikes ahead of the Budget and the premature release of the Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) response to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' fiscal plans.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Starmer's leadership, stating: "He expects gratitude when his decisions have worsened the cost of living. Labour has no plan to fix Britain, and working families are paying the price."
