Dudley's Labour MP has issued a stark warning to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, demanding swift and meaningful change or his resignation following the party's devastating performance in local elections. Cat Eccles, the MP for Stourbridge, who was elected during Labour's landslide general election victory in 2024, expressed deep concern over the rise of Reform UK and the Green Party at Labour's expense.
The Dudley Council elections on May 7 saw Labour lose eight council seats, leaving the party with only 15 out of 72 elected members. This places Labour as the third largest group, trailing behind the Conservatives with 27 councillors and Reform UK with 23 councillors.
Eccles calls for urgent change
Cat Eccles MP said: "Excellent Labour councillors, committed community champions who worked tirelessly for local people for many years, lost their seats because voters feel this Government neither understands the pressures they are under nor is acting with enough urgency to improve their lives." She acknowledged the Prime Minister's strong international leadership during global instability but stressed that "international leadership cannot become a substitute for delivery at home."
Eccles demanded "a serious change of direction, not cosmetic resets or better messaging, but policies that genuinely improve living standards and restore trust." She warned: "If the leadership cannot deliver that change quickly and convincingly, then Keir Starmer must put the country and the party first and make way for a new leader capable of reconnecting Labour with the people it was elected to serve."
Other Labour MPs react
Dudley MP Sonia Kumar described the election as "a tough night" and a moment for reflection. She said: "We know we must listen carefully to the concerns raised by voters across Dudley and beyond. Unity remains Labour's greatest strength, and by working together we can continue delivering the change our communities need." Kumar acknowledged that people want to see faster delivery and feel the benefits of change more directly in their everyday lives.
Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger called the results "disappointing" but congratulated all successful candidates. He urged: "It is important that we put politics aside and work together in the best interests of residents across Dudley."
The local election results have intensified pressure on Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, with Labour MPs from the Black Country calling for unity and a renewed focus on domestic issues to regain voter trust.
