The MP for Colne Valley has called for Keir Starmer to step down as Prime Minister following catastrophic local election results.

Paul Davies has urged the Prime Minister to arrange for the “orderly handover of his role” after the Labour Party lost over 1400 council seats, following the May 2026 local elections.

The elections were a historic disaster for the Labour Party, losing nearly 40 councils. Most notably, the Labour Party were completely wiped out in Kirklees, with every council member being ousted by either Reform UK, the Green Party, or Independent candidates.

Posting to Facebook, MP Davies pleaded that Keir Starmer must “listen to what the country has said”. The full post made to Facebook on Monday (May 11) read: “As I’ve said in my previous post, this has been a very tough election for Labour.

Photo dated 13/4/26 of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party MP and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham meet pupils during a visit to a school breakfast club at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School in Ashton, Greater Manchester. Photo credit: Paul Ellis/PA Wire

placeholder image — Photo dated 13/4/26 of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party MP and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham meet pupils during a visit to a school breakfast club at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School in Ashton, Greater Manchester. Photo credit: Paul Ellis/PA Wire

“In my constituency and across the country, there has been a clear message – we have to have bolder, progressive measures in place to address the cost of living crisis that so many people still face. They cannot wait until the end of this parliament or another term. This crisis is with us now.

“I believe we have the capability within the Labour Party to do this. However, it is now very clear that it is not possible with the current leadership left in place.

“In particular, I do not believe that the prime minister is the person who is able to rebuild trust with our citizens and lead the party and country in making these urgent changes.

“So, regrettably, I feel there is no alternative but to ask the Prime Minister to do the right thing for the country and arrange for an orderly handover of his role once his replacement has been duly selected.

Paul Davies, MP for Colne Valley. Credit: UK Parliament/Roger Harris Photography

“I have the utmost respect for the prime minister, but he must now listen to what the country has said in the recent elections. The message has been very clear and unequivocal.”

In a previous post made following the election, MP Davies vowed to remain a “strong and progressive” voice for the people of the Colne Valley constituency.