Keir Starmer’s allies subject warning to plotters as tens of millions head to polls in make-or-break elections

A No10 source told The Mirror that forcing the Prime Minister to ‘reapply for his job’ would be a huge distraction as families struggle with the cost of living

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Keir Starmer’s allies have issued a stark warning to plotters saying the public would not forgive Labour for changing leaders.

They said forcing the Prime Minister, who has made clear he will fight any challenge, to “reapply for his job” would be a huge distraction as families struggle with the cost of living. It comes as Downing Street braces for a nightmare set of elections for Labour across England, Scotland and Wales, in the biggest electoral test since the 2024 general election.

Experts have warned the party faces losing over 1,800 council seats across England – more than 75% of the seats they are defending. Labour’s dominance in Wales is also expected to be seriously challenged with its 27-year hold on the Senedd under threat. Speculation is rife over whether the Prime Minister could face a leadership challenge if the results are as bad as feared and tensions erupt on Friday.

But a No10 source told The Mirror : “At the general election, the country voted decisively to end the chaos of the Conservative government. The public will not forgive us if we repeat their mistake of changing leader instead of changing the country. Asking the PM to reapply for his job at the very moment he is tackling the impacts of the Iran conflict on British families, including the cost of living, would be a serious distraction.

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“Keir Starmer has a bold agenda to make the country stronger and fairer, including lifting over half a million children out of poverty. In the coming days and weeks, he will set out the next steps in his plan to change the country, including in the King’s Speech next week.”

Last week, Mr Starmer also brushed off leadership questions, telling the BBC he’ll be judged on his promises in 2029 when the next general election is due to take place. Asked whether he would have the “courage to stand aside” if the results are as a disaster, the Prime Minister replied: “I was elected in July 2024 on a manifesto of change. It was a five-year term that I won with a landslide victory, and I’ll be judged at the end of that period, at the next election, by whether I’ve delivered on what I promised.”

Downing Street is also said to be drawing up a speech for the Prime Minister to deliver in the coming days, which will include a commitment to closer ties with the EU. A No10 source said: “Building a closer relationship with the EU is crucial not just for economic growth, but also cutting the cost of living. We cannot afford to ignore this.”

Earlier, the Prime Minister cast his ballot at Westminster chapel in central London with his wife, Victoria, as millions across the country also headed to polling stations. On the eve of voting, Mr Starmer said: “In tough times, you need politicians who will always stand up for you and your family. Time and again Nigel Farage and Zack Polanski have shown they are not fit to meet this moment of great global instability.

“Today I pledge firmly to you: whatever the pressure, Labour will always back you and your family and we will never waver from doing what is in Britain’s national interest. Today, choose unity over division. Vote Labour.”