Labour members question Starmer leadership as Burnham tops poll

Published: 09 May 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A major internal poll has revealed deep unease within the Labour Party, with a majority of members expressing doubts over whether party leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer can restore the party’s political standing. The findings have intensified debate over leadership direction following a series of disappointing election results across the United Kingdom.

The survey suggests growing support for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as a potential future leader, while also highlighting increasing dissatisfaction with the current leadership. The results come at a sensitive time for Labour, as the party faces mounting pressure from opposition gains and internal divisions.

According to the poll of more than 1,000 Labour members, conducted shortly before recent local and parliamentary elections, 51% of respondents said they do not believe Starmer can improve Labour’s electoral performance. A further 45% indicated that the Prime Minister should step down if the party continues to perform poorly. The findings reflect a sharp shift in sentiment compared to earlier polling, where dissatisfaction levels were significantly lower.

The survey also revealed that Burnham is the first-choice successor among 42% of members asked to rank potential future leaders. His popularity is reinforced by a net favourability rating of 72%, suggesting strong grassroots support within sections of the party membership. However, his ability to formally enter a leadership contest remains restricted due to his current role as mayor and internal party rules controlled by Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

Supporters of Burnham within the party have argued that he represents a unifying figure capable of reconnecting Labour with voters, particularly in traditional strongholds where recent election results have shown significant losses. Some Members of Parliament aligned with his political stance have reportedly called for a managed transition process that would allow Starmer to step down in an orderly manner.

The discussion over leadership has intensified following a difficult electoral period for Labour. In England’s local elections, the party suffered notable losses, while in Scotland the Eluned Morgan-led political environment faced similar pressure as opposition parties made significant gains. Meanwhile, in Wales, Labour lost long-held dominance, marking a historic shift in regional political alignment.

One of the most striking outcomes of the election cycle was the rise of Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, which secured hundreds of council seats and gained control of several local authorities. Analysts suggest that Reform’s surge has added further pressure on Labour’s leadership, particularly in working-class regions where traditional voting patterns are shifting.

In London, the Greens also made significant advances, winning control of multiple councils, which further highlighted a broader fragmentation of the progressive vote. Political observers argue that this reflects growing dissatisfaction among voters who previously supported Labour but are now exploring alternative parties.

Within Labour’s membership, frustration appears to be extending beyond leadership concerns. The poll found that 36% of members have considered cancelling their party membership altogether, while nearly half believe that Starmer shares responsibility for the party’s poor performance alongside his government team. Around one-third of respondents also indicated they are actively reconsidering their continued involvement in the party.

Internal party dynamics have further complicated the situation. Burnham’s potential path to leadership remains blocked under current NEC rules, which prevent him from standing for parliament while serving as mayor. Attempts to challenge this restriction have previously been unsuccessful, despite lobbying from some MPs and party members.

Sources within the party suggest that at least 10 MPs have publicly or privately called for Starmer to establish a clear timeline for departure. Among those expressing concern are senior figures such as former transport secretary Louise Haigh, alongside MPs elected in the 2024 intake, including Sarah Owen and others. They argue that a planned transition would help stabilise the party and prevent further electoral decline.

However, opponents of a leadership challenge warn that internal division could further weaken Labour’s position at a critical political moment. They argue that replacing Starmer without a clear electoral strategy could deepen uncertainty and benefit opposition parties, particularly Reform UK and other emerging political forces.

The thinktank Compass, which conducted the polling, warned that Labour is facing a “moment of serious political reckoning.” Its deputy director Lena Swedlow stated that both voters and party members are demanding change in leadership style and policy direction. She emphasised that restoring trust would require “orderly and considered” reform rather than abrupt political upheaval.

Despite the internal pressure, senior party officials close to Starmer have indicated that no immediate leadership challenge is expected. They argue that the Prime Minister remains focused on stabilising government policy and addressing economic challenges, particularly amid global uncertainty and domestic fiscal pressures.

Nonetheless, political analysts note that leadership speculation is unlikely to subside in the short term. The combination of electoral setbacks, rising opposition momentum, and internal dissatisfaction has created one of the most challenging periods for Labour since its return to government.

Burnham’s supporters continue to position him as a potential future unifier of the party, citing his popularity among grassroots members and strong electoral performance in local government. However, without a clear route back into parliamentary politics, his leadership prospects remain uncertain.

As Labour navigates this turbulent period, the party faces competing pressures: maintaining government stability, responding to electoral losses, and managing internal demands for leadership renewal. Whether Starmer can consolidate authority or whether a leadership transition debate will intensify further is expected to be a defining issue in the months ahead.