Overview
- In a BBC interview, Keir Starmer said he will still be in office this time next year and intends to serve through 2027 on his five‑year mandate.
- He said May’s local and devolved contests should not be treated as a referendum on his leadership, promising Labour will fight for every vote.
- Starmer is fronting a 2026 relief package including a rail fare freeze, capped bus fares, an energy bill reduction of £150, an extended fuel duty cut to September, and a higher national living wage.
- He argued that leadership churn would create “utter chaos” and risk aiding Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which multiple polls now show ahead of Labour.
- Downing Street says its plan is working, citing six interest‑rate cuts, falling inflation and lower mortgage costs, even as speculation persists about potential challenges from figures such as Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham.