Labour MPs urge government to change course after Reform UK's local election gains

Labour MPs and local leaders are urging the party to change course after significant gains by Reform UK in local elections and a narrow by-election loss in Runcorn. Critics, including York MP Rachael Maskell and Scottish MP Brian Leishman, attribute Labour's setbacks to unpopular policies such as cuts to social security, winter fuel, and disability support, which were not part of their manifesto. They warn these measures risk alienating core supporters and deepening poverty and poor mental health among vulnerable groups. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the need to 'go further and faster' on change, but has so far not indicated a reversal of current policies. Some Labour officials fear that failing to address these concerns could pave the way for a more extreme right-wing government. The results reflect broader dissatisfaction across the political spectrum, with both Labour and the Conservatives facing existential challenges from Reform UK.