Political situation in the UK

Starmer: I must prove the doubters wrong

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promises to take responsibility for Labour's weak results in local elections last week. But he has no plans to resign. That was the message in a speech to the party on Monday.

- I know many doubt me. I must prove them wrong, Starmer said.

In the speech, he stressed that he wants to pursue policies that benefit working Britons. He announced, among other things, that he intends to renationalize steel giant British Steel.

Starmer also harshly criticized Brexit and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who pushed for the decision to leave the EU. He promised to reconnect with the rest of Europe.

- Standing side by side with countries that are close to us is the right choice, Starmer said.

Starmer has faced fierce internal criticism in recent days and today's speech has been pointed out as crucial to his chances of restoring confidence and keeping his job.

Analysis: Starmer is still most likely to stay

There are plenty of challengers who could consider taking over as Prime Minister and Labour leader after Keir Starmer, but the most likely scenario is that Starmer fights through the crisis. This is written by The Times' Oliver Wright and Steven Swinford, who have ranked the five most likely outcomes of the current leadership crisis.

They point out that Labour members do not usually appreciate when other politicians try to remove the leader they have chosen, no matter how unpopular he is.

"It is highly possible that the demands for Starmer to resign will die down in the coming days," write Wright and Swinford.

The Independent points out, however, that several of the potential successors have kept a low profile, but have had plenty of time to prepare. Not least because Starmer has been heavily criticized virtually since the first day after taking office in 2024.