Sir Keir Starmer told to resign by east London MPs

They have warned that voters in traditional strongholds have lost confidence in him and in the government’s direction.

James Asser, MP for West Ham & Beckton, said he had spent the last eight years representing “one of Labour’s heartlands” but had heard a clear message on the doorstep that many long‑standing supporters no longer backed the party under Starmer’s leadership.

He highlighted that West Ham, which first elected Labour pioneer Keir Hardie to Parliament more than 120 years ago, had seen a wave of councillors lose their seats in last week’s local elections, including some with decades of service.

Mr Asser said voters across his constituency felt “let down” and had “lost faith in the prime minister”, despite policies he believes are helping his constituents.

He criticised the government for failing to communicate effectively with the public or set out a convincing plan to improve people’s lives.

He added that he had hoped the response to the election results would be to listen to voters and “present a vision for the country”, but concluded “it is clear that is not forthcoming”.

Calling for a change at the top, Mr Asser argued Labour needed fresh leadership and a renewed vision if it was to rebuild trust in communities like his.

“I do not believe the prime minister can offer that,” he said, urging Sir Keir to “stand aside” so others could provide the direction that “the voters have told us they want”.

His intervention was echoed by Ilford South MP Jas Athwal, who praised Sir Keir for transforming Labour into “a serious, electable force” and said he had voted for him as leader.

Mr Athwal acknowledged “real contributions” made since Sir Keir entered Downing Street, but insisted “the country must come first” and that millions of working people needed a focused Labour government delivering “a brighter future”.

Mr Athwal felt Labour could not govern effectively while “constantly distracted by speculation, mistakes and a loss of trust”.

Even in areas such as Redbridge, where Labour held onto the council, he said the message from voters was that “the prime minister has lost the confidence of the country”.

Sir Keir gave a speech yesterday in which he took “responsibility” for the local election losses but insisted he would fight on.

Facing down those calling for his resignation, Sir Keir said: “I’m not going to shy away from the fact that I’ve got some doubters, including in my own party.

“I’m not going to shy away from the fact that I have to prove them wrong, and I will.”

Mr Athwal argued the speech had failed to convince voters he could regain their trust or steer Britain through “the huge challenges we face at home and abroad”.

As a result, the former council leader aid that, “with deep regret”, he had concluded it was in the national interest for Starmer to resign as both prime minister and Labour leader.

He called for any transition to be “smooth, dignified and orderly”, saying this would allow Labour to choose new leadership and “get back to the work people elected us to do”.

At the time of writing, almost 80 Labour MPs have told the PM to quit or set a timetable for doing so.