Keir Starmer has reportedly stepped back from active participation in the election campaign due to concerns over his “toxicity” and low personal popularity.
Local elections in the United Kingdom are scheduled for May 7. Voters will elect around 4,800 representatives to local legislative bodies, including the parliaments of Wales and Scotland.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Labour Party risks losing up to 2,000 council seats and could lose control of the Welsh Parliament for the first time.
Against this backdrop, regional politicians reportedly prefer to keep Starmer away from voters.
“He is genuinely toxic. There is a deep internal aversion to him, and it cuts across all factions. He is seen as insincere and two-faced. Starmer has no followers—only enemies. It’s extraordinary,” a senior Labour figure told the newspaper.
A historically poor election result could undermine Starmer’s leadership. Even members of his own party reportedly doubt he can remain in office long-term.
A poll conducted in April by Ipsos found that 74% of voters are dissatisfied with Starmer’s performance, while only 18% view him positively.
