Three former Labour General Secretaries have urged the party to focus on its plan to change the country rather than turning inwards to argue about Keir Starmer's leadership. In a joint statement, David Evans, Iain McNicol and Ray Collins expressed deep disappointment over the party's heavy losses in the local elections in England, Scotland and Wales.
Disappointment and challenges
They shared the disappointment felt across the movement, with first thoughts for those who lost their seats, the candidates who stood, and the thousands of members and activists who worked tirelessly. The former officials recognised the scale of challenges facing Britain, from war and global instability where Starmer has shown leadership, to the relentless cost of living pressures that impact people's daily lives.
Call for unity
The statement noted that there are those who seek to exploit grievance and division, and those who offer easy answers to complex problems. It is the Labour Party's responsibility to meet these challenges head-on, winning the argument not just with policies but with a compelling, credible vision for the country. The former general secretaries believe the right course is to unite behind Starmer's leadership and listen to voters. When voters speak, it is the party's duty not to explain them away, but to listen, learn and respond.
They emphasised: "We must not look inward, when we should be reaching outward." The Labour Government has passed 60 bills in two years that will change places and lives for the better, and the upcoming King's Speech will set out next steps to change the country for good. While acknowledging that people are impatient for change, the former officials stressed the need to get better at telling the party's story.
Above all, they called for attention to be focused on the plan for the country. To do otherwise would only strengthen and embolden opponents. This is a moment not for fragmentation, but for coming together.
