Keir Starmer breaks silence on Labour’s devastating election loss with three-word response

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken about Labour’s recent election defeats, acknowledging they were disappointing. He accepted responsibility but insisted the party wouldn’t change its current strategy despite losing important seats.

During a visit to a drone factory in the South-east, Starmer addressed the losses for the first time publicly. He told reporters clearly: “We get it.” He said Labour understands voters want change, promising to move “further and faster” in delivering improvements that matter to ordinary people. He highlighted some early successes, such as reducing waiting lists in the NHS, but promised more would be done.

The recent loss in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election was particularly tough for Labour, as they had previously won that seat comfortably—by almost 14,700 votes less than a year ago. This time, Reform UK, the party led by Nigel Farage, narrowly defeated Labour, marking a significant setback.

Reform UK also had a strong performance in local elections across England, winning its first-ever mayoral position in Greater Lincolnshire. Additionally, they challenged both Labour and the Conservatives strongly in many local areas, significantly reducing the major parties’ support.

Labour did manage to hold onto mayoral seats in Doncaster and North Tyneside, although Reform UK was very close behind in both races, highlighting growing competition from the smaller party.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives faced questions about their leadership as well. Conservative Party co-chairman Nigel Huddleston was asked if party leader Kemi Badenoch’s position was secure following their disappointing local election results. Huddleston strongly defended her, saying her position is stable. He praised Badenoch for being honest and straightforward, qualities he argued voters genuinely appreciate. Badenoch has only been leader for about six months, and Huddleston insisted she’s still popular, noting that voters consistently express a desire to hear more from her.

Nigel Farage was upbeat following his party’s success. He described it as a “big night,” highlighting that Reform UK had attracted voters away from both Labour and the Conservatives. Farage went so far as to claim that, after these results, his party is clearly emerging as the main opposition to the current government across many parts of England.