Newspaper headlines: 'Starmer on ropes' and 'nightmare for Labour'

Newspaper headlines: 'Starmer on ropes' and 'nightmare for Labour'

The recent by-election in Gorton and Denton has sent shockwaves through the Labour Party, dominating headlines across the UK press. The Green Party’s unexpected victory there has been described as a “crushing by-election defeat” for Labour, with The Times highlighting the growing pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to reposition the party further to the left. Within Labour circles, ministers reportedly believe it is now “inevitable” that Starmer will not lead the party into the next general election, though Starmer himself insists he will remain in his role, vowing to continue the fight “for as long as I’ve got breath in my body.”

The Daily Mail has reported on a different dimension of the aftermath, noting that police are being urged to investigate what is being called “clear evidence” of voter fraud linked to family voting practices. This development comes amid concerns that the UK is “sleepwalking into sectarian politics,” fueling further unease about the electoral process and the broader political landscape.

Meanwhile, the Guardian’s coverage frames the Green Party’s success as a “nightmare for Labour,” emphasizing the deep crisis Starmer now faces. The newspaper describes the loss as a humiliation that has plunged Labour MPs into “renewed despair” and suggests that Starmer is being given an ultimatum by his own party to change course or face a leadership challenge in the coming months. This sentiment is echoed by the i Weekend, which highlights intense pressure from the Labour left, led by Angela Rayner, who is portrayed as a leadership rival calling on the party to “wake up” and “be braver,” with warnings that the situation is “terminal” for the prime minister.

Adding to the critical commentary, the Financial Times reports that Starmer’s political strategy has been seriously shaken by the Green Party win, and like other outlets, notes calls from within Labour to shift towards the left. At the same time, the Daily Telegraph draws attention to Labour’s need to continue its stance on migration control despite the setback, with Shabana Mahmood set to urge the party to maintain its crackdown on migration. Together, these reactions underscore a party at a crossroads, facing internal turmoil and external challenges after the by-election results

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More