Labour’s better than expected thrashing may allow Starmer to cling on in No 10

As the local elections results rolled in, a trickle of voices were calling for Keir Starmer to quit – a couple of MPs, a trade union leader, and a Labour peer. The numbers are undoubtedly bad for Labour , with Reform making sweeping gains across pro-Brexit heartlands in the north and Midlands. These could even be the party’s worst losses for 50 years, with more than 1,000 councillors gone and the potential loss of control of the Welsh parliament. However, the momentum for a decisive challenge to Starmer was not yet sweeping through the cabinet or rousing MPs on Friday morning – in the way that happens when a party leader finds their time is up. Starmer has been preparing for this moment for months. He was out early for a visit where he made clear he was going nowhere and was not prepared to set out a timetable for his departure. Keir Starmer says he will not resign despite 'tough' local election losses – video Special advisers have been called back to Downing Street to shore up his support, a move also intended to stop them plotting with cabinet ministers in favour of a replacement. The prime minister’s aides have briefed that he is planning a speech next week, which will inevitably be seen as another reset. …