The Story The storms coming for Starmer this year
Jan 7, 2026
Geraldine Scott, Assistant Political Editor at The Times, and Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent at The Times, dive into the turbulent landscape of UK politics. They discuss the impending challenges for Keir Starmer and Labour in 2026, including key elections and internal conflicts. The duo analyzes the rise of the Greens and Reform UK, and the implications for Labour's future. They also consider potential leadership contenders and assess how local elections could signal party fortunes, all while navigating the complex dynamics shaping British politics.
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Rebellion Revealed Labour Vulnerability
- The welfare rebellion exposed Labour MPs' newfound willingness to challenge leadership and showed the majority was not invulnerable.
- That episode empowered backbenchers and marked a watershed in internal party dynamics.
Treat May As A Political Junction
- Treat May's local elections as the key political junction and focus resources on visible delivery before then.
- Parties should use results to reassess leadership risk and sharpen messaging immediately after May.
Local Elections Pose Biggest Risk To Labour
- Labour faces the most jeopardy in the May local elections because it contests nearly half of council seats nationwide.
- Poor local results would cement narratives of Labour losing voters in all directions.