Starmer Warns Reform UK Poses Danger to Country in Speech After Local Election Losses

Speaking in London on Monday, Starmer said the country faces not only dangerous times but dangerous opponents. He added that failure to deliver now would take the country down a very dark path.

Starmer delivered the speech as he seeks to regain support after Labour suffered losses in local elections held on Thursday. He faces pressure from some within his own party, including calls for a leadership challenge. Labour MP Catherine West said she would begin gathering names to trigger a contest if no cabinet minister challenges him by Monday.

The prime minister said he would fight any leadership challenge. for the reasons I've set out," he stated. Starmer referred to his working-class parents and their belief in working hard to improve the country.

He addressed criticism from Labour MPs who have called for him to step down. "I'm not going to shy away from the fact that I've got some doubters, including in my own party," Starmer said. " Starmer pointed to the previous Conservative government's frequent leadership changes as an example to avoid.

"What we witnessed with the last government was the chaos of constantly changing leaders, and it cost this country a huge amount," he said. He added that working people paid the price and that a Labour government would not inflict similar instability.

"We can only win as a stronger version of Labour, a mainstream party of power not protest," he stated. Starmer hit out at Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, describing him as a chancer who took Britain for a ride over Brexit. He said he wants to bring Britain into the heart of Europe and take a big leap forward at this year's EU-UK summit on trade, the economy, defence and security.

Asked if he would rule out single market or customs union membership in the next manifesto, Starmer said the summit would provide a platform to build on while turning away from past arguments. Starmer ended his speech by attempting to reconcile with disillusioned voters and Labour MPs.

Burnham is also seen as a potential candidate.