Keir Starmer Faces Internal Labour Leadership Criticism Ahead 2026 Holyrood Election

Labour leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has committed to leading Labour into the 2026 Holyrood election amidst internal party criticisms and leadership speculation. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham suggested there is no clear plan to turn the country around under Starmer, hinting at his own leadership ambitions and calling for wholesale change within Labour. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, while an ally of Starmer, has refrained from fully endorsing the Prime Minister and emphasized the need to demonstrate Labour's delivery to the public amid challenges. Polls indicate Labour's vote share in Wales is declining dramatically ahead of the Senedd elections, with Starmer avoiding confirmation on whether he would step down if Labour loses there. Scottish Labour Minister Michael Shanks expressed confidence in Sarwar's chances to win the Holyrood election and highlighted public dissatisfaction with the SNP's long governance, though he declined to speculate on Starmer's future if Labour does not succeed. Overall, Labour faces significant electoral tests in devolved regions, with internal debates about leadership and strategy intensifying ahead of 2026.