UK unions say Starmer unlikely to lead Labour party into next election

UK trade unions affiliated with the Labour Party have declared that it is “clear” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will not lead Labour into the next general election, calling for preparations to begin for a future leadership contest.

In a joint statement issued after last week’s election results, the unions warned that Labour “cannot continue on its current path” despite acknowledging progress in several policy areas, Sky News reports.

“Whilst we recognise progress has been made, such as aspects of the Employment Rights Act and the increase in the minimum wage, the results at the election last week were devastating,” the statement said. “Labour is not doing enough to deliver the change that working people voted for at the general election.”

The unions stressed that their primary concern was not “the personalities and unfolding political drama in Westminster,” but rather what they described as the need for a major shift in economic policy and political strategy.

“Our focus is on the fundamental change of direction on economic policy and political strategy that unions have been clear is needed,” the statement added.

The intervention marks one of the strongest public criticisms yet from Labour’s affiliated unions since the party returned to government. The unions argued that Labour must reconnect with its traditional base and refocus on workers’ interests.

“It’s clear that the prime minister will not lead Labour into the next election, and at some stage a plan will have to be put in place for the election of a new leader,” the statement said.

The unions also described the moment as a defining period for the party’s future direction.

“This is a point where the future of the party we founded will be debated and determined — and we are working closely as unions to shape a shared vision on policy, political strategy and economic policy that will re-orient Labour back to working people, so Labour do what it was elected to do: govern in the interests of workers.”

However, Sky News reported that the GMB union expressed reservations about issuing the statement, highlighting differing views within Labour’s broader union movement over how publicly to challenge Starmer’s leadership. 

By Vafa Guliyeva