Sky News: British PM Starmer could lose post amid "poor performance"

Two senior MPs of the British Labour Party have warned that Prime Minister Keir Starmer may be forced to step down within months if the government keeps working "poorly", particularly in light of next May’s elections in Wales, Scotland, and London.

According to Sky News deputy political editor Sam Coates, his sources — a current government member and a prominent Labour politician — have “put Starmer on notice.” Both indicated that poor results in the upcoming local elections could spell the end of Starmer’s leadership in Downing Street.

“The level of unhappiness and despair in parts of the Labour Party is so striking that, right now, on the first anniversary, I am hearing from ministers in government that Starmer might have to go in months,” Coates reported.

The warning comes amid Labour’s growing vulnerability to challenges from both ends of the political spectrum. Reform UK is gaining momentum in Wales, while left-wing parties like the Greens pose a threat in London.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves remains at the centre of political attention. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Reeves appeared visibly emotional — a moment a spokesperson attributed to a “personal matter.” Nevertheless, her reaction rattled financial markets, with the pound and long-term government bonds falling sharply.

Starmer, speaking on the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast, dismissed speculation that Reeves' tears were connected to a contentious welfare bill that passed earlier in the week despite a sizable rebellion among Labour MPs. The bill — following a series of U-turns — has left a £5 billion gap in the national finances.

"It's got nothing to do with politics, nothing to do with what's happened this week. It was a personal matter for her," Starmer said, emphasising his support for the chancellor. "She will be chancellor for a very long time to come."

Defending their close working relationship, he said: “We’re in lockstep. She and I work together, we think together.”

By Khagan Isayev