Labour Faces Calls for 'Complete Reset' as Starmer Urged to Step Up Leadership
In a stark intervention, Scotland's former Labour first minister, Lord McConnell, has demanded a "complete reset" of the government, warning that the party is in a "moment of desperate need." Speaking to Times Radio on Friday 06 February 2026, Lord McConnell, who led Labour in Scotland from 2001 to 2007, issued a direct challenge to Sir Keir Starmer and other Labour figures to "show us what you’ve got" and cease blaming advisers for mistakes.
Mandelson Scandal Adds Pressure on Starmer
The call comes amid heightened tensions within Labour, with Harriet Harman reportedly warning that the Peter Mandelson scandal could take Keir Starmer down unless he acts decisively. Lord McConnell emphasised that this reset must not be "one of the half-hearted resets that we've seen" in the past, highlighting the urgency for tangible change.
He stated: "To me there needs to be a complete reset here, not one of the half-hearted resets that we've seen." This remark underscores growing frustration with the party's current trajectory and internal management.
Starmer Challenged to Deliver Hope and Leadership
Lord McConnell further urged Sir Keir Starmer to "step up" and demonstrate his capability to lead effectively. He added: "We need somebody now to step up and see that they can deliver that and they could most of all that they can provide hope for the people in the country." This plea reflects concerns that Labour must reconnect with voters and restore confidence in its governance.
The former first minister's comments signal a critical juncture for Labour, as it grapples with scandals and calls for renewal. The emphasis on moving beyond blame and focusing on delivery points to deeper issues within the party's strategy and public perception.
As Labour navigates these challenges, the pressure on Starmer to enact meaningful reforms and assert stronger leadership is mounting, with figures like Lord McConnell pushing for a swift and comprehensive response to regain political momentum.
