Ian Lavery MP column: 'Labour has paid the price for PM's failure to listen'
After Labour’s poor results in elections for Northumberland County Council last year, I wrote in this column that there was a drastic need for the Labour Government to change direction.
Keir Starmer failed to heed this warning from me and many others, resulting in Labour’s catastrophic performance in the May 7, 2026 elections covering much of the UK.
In Labour’s historic strongholds its share of the vote disappeared – from Wales to London, Labour faced total annihilation.
The reason is clear to see, working class people of the UK have lost trust in this Labour Government and they have a deep dislike of the Prime Minister.
Our traditional voters have been alienated by a Labour leadership they perceive as not caring about or even recognising their continuing hardships.
The Government shout this is unfair... “look at the good things we have done such as the Employment Rights Act, and the Renters’ Protection Act”.
These are all positive measures that will help eventually, but they are overshadowed by people’s daily struggle to make ends meet during an on-going cost of living crisis.
When working class people voted for change, they hoped Labour would prioritise making the basics of life, such as food and heat, affordable. After almost two years, they feel nothing will ever change.
In the meantime, they witness the unacceptable gap between the very rich and the rest of us continue to grow.
As a consequence, last week many in the North East turned to Reform UK in the mistaken belief that a party run to benefit billionaires cares.
Incredibly, a party that would destroy the NHS and deprive workers of hard gained rights is seen as being more sympathetic than the Labour Party, founded by and for the working class.
I have called on Keir Starmer to resign because he seems oblivious to why our traditional voters have deserted the Labour Party.
Labour must find a new leader with policies to reflect its true values or, tragically, it will never be given another chance.
Residents in the Blyth and Ashington constituency can contact my office by calling 01670 852494 or emailing [email protected] and there are also plenty of updates that are posted on my Facebook page (Ian Lavery MP).