Senedd election in Wales critical for Keir Starmer's survival – Labour MP

A senior Welsh Labour MP has emphasized that upcoming elections in Wales and certain by-elections are vital for Sir Keir Starmer’s future as prime minister. Labour’s performance in the Welsh Parliament elections, as well as in the Gorton and Denton by-election, will be critical tests of his leadership. Speaking on Radio Wales Breakfast, the chair of the Welsh affairs committee highlighted these contests as key moments for evaluating the prime minister’s standing.

The MP, Jones, acknowledged that Sir Keir is currently “wounded” by recent controversies, including the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, a decision that has drawn criticism due to Mandelson’s well-documented ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While Jones was uncertain whether these issues would ultimately be “fatal” to Starmer’s tenure, she stressed the importance of Labour’s electoral results in the coming months. McSweeney, Starmer’s former chief of staff who resigned amid the scandal, was described by Jones as being seen by many MPs as the “power behind the throne” who often impeded direct communication with the prime minister.

An unnamed UK government minister echoed the sentiment that the situation at Number 10 Downing Street has become disorderly, describing Starmer’s judgment as “so poor” and criticizing McSweeney’s resignation as “too little too late.” Despite the mounting pressure, a spokesperson for Sir Keir stated that he has no plans to resign, standing by the appointment choice. The minister also expressed continued personal respect for the prime minister, even while questioning his recent decisions.

With less than three months to go before the Welsh Senedd election, Jones expressed cautious optimism about Labour’s prospects but urged a more engaged approach from Starmer himself. She pointed out that while the prime minister has been perceived as “bland and boring,” this was initially part of the strategy to gain power. However, with rising competition from Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, Labour must improve how it communicates its policies and achievements, especially on economic matters like putting “more money in people’s pockets.” Jones called on Starmer to personally connect with Welsh voters, noting, “I think Keir needs to get out there to make his own pitch, because I’m not going to make it for him.

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