Labour has suffered devastating local election losses across the country.

Across England, Scotland, and Wales, Labour lost around 1,500 council seats and lost control of dozens of councils, including major working class areas that supported Labour for generations. 

In Tower Hamlets alone, Labour went from 19 councillors to only five. In Birmingham, Labour lost control of the council after 14 years. Across northern towns, London boroughs, Wales, and former Labour heartlands, voters shifted towards Greens, Independents, Reform, and smaller parties. 

Hardworking councillors, candidates, members, and volunteers paid the price for a leadership that many voters no longer believe reflects the views, struggles, and priorities of ordinary working people.

During campaigning and doorstep conversations across multiple boroughs and cities, voters repeatedly raised the same concerns:

• the cost of living crisis

• rising rents and housing pressures
• cuts and pressure on public services

• anger over Labour’s position and language regarding Palestine and Gaza
• growing poverty and inequality
• loss of trust in politicians
• Labour becoming disconnected from working class communities
• frustration with the party’s national direction under Keir Starmer

Many lifelong Labour supporters openly said they no longer recognise the Labour Party.

Some former Labour voters stayed home. Others switched to Greens, Independents, or alternative parties because they feel ignored, unheard, and politically abandoned.

This election was not simply about local issues. It reflected a growing national crisis of trust in Labour leadership.

Many Labour members, supporters, trade unionists, councillors, and voters no longer believe Keir Starmer is capable of rebuilding trust with the public or leading a Labour movement that represents working people and diverse communities across the country.

We therefore call on Keir Starmer to step down as Labour leader and allow new leadership to rebuild the party, reconnect with communities, restore internal democracy, and rebuild confidence in Labour as the party of working people, social justice, and equality.

Labour cannot continue ignoring the clear message voters sent in these elections.

The party must change direction before it loses even more support across the country.

Sign this petition if you believe Labour needs new leadership and a return to its core values.