Overview
- In a BBC interview, Keir Starmer said he will still be in No 10 next year and that he will be judged at the next general election rather than by May’s local and devolved contests.
- He argued frequent leadership churn would replicate the Conservatives’ instability, calling it “utter chaos” and not in the national interest.
- Labour faces weak polling with Reform UK ahead in multiple surveys, raising the stakes for elections in England, Wales and Scotland on 7 May.
- Starmer signalled further issue‑by‑issue alignment with the EU single market but ruled out rejoining the customs union or restoring freedom of movement.
- Internal debate has sharpened, with Labour MP Dan Carden publicly opposing any customs union move and media speculation continuing about potential challenges from figures such as Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham.