Labour's Leadership Under Scrutiny as May Elections Loom
Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Labour Party and current UK Prime Minister, faces a critical juncture in his political career. With a challenging set of May elections on the horizon, Labour finds itself under significant pressure from both the Green Party and Reform UK. Compounding these external threats, Starmer's personal popularity has entered a dramatic freefall, raising urgent questions about his ability to survive as party leader.
A Government Struggling to Define Its Narrative
Labour entered Downing Street with an ambitious vision focused on national renewal and collective security. While the government has delivered some worthwhile achievements, the prevailing narrative has increasingly centred on perceived failings and internal party conflicts. This negative perception has been exacerbated by Starmer being declared the 'most unpopular Prime Minister ever' with an approval rating of minus 57%.
Critical Questions Facing the Labour Leadership
The upcoming Guardian Live event will explore several pressing issues confronting Starmer and his party:
- How can Starmer rebuild his relationship with disillusioned voters and manage his increasingly fractious parliamentary colleagues?
- Has the Prime Minister's 'keep calm' diplomatic approach reached its limits following his confrontation with Donald Trump over Greenland?
- What will be the political fallout from the controversial by-election in Gorton and Denton, where Andy Burnham was refused permission to stand?
- Does Labour possess any coherent strategy to counter the growing threat from Reform UK?
Expert Panel Discussion on Labour's Future
Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff will chair a distinguished panel of Guardian commentators including Polly Toynbee, Rafael Behr, and Zoe Williams. Together they will examine Starmer's leadership, the current state of the Labour Party, and the implications of the upcoming May by-elections. The discussion will also include audience questions, providing valuable insights into one of the most turbulent periods in recent British politics.
Event Details and Accessibility Information
The Guardian Live event will take place on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 7.30pm to 9pm BST. Participants can attend in person at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL, or join via livestream. Ticket prices are £35 for in-person attendance and £15 for online access.
Conway Hall is fully wheelchair accessible, and detailed access information is available through the venue's website. Those with access requirements are eligible for one free companion ticket and should contact guardianlive.events@theguardian.com to make arrangements.
For those unable to attend live, a recording will be made available for four weeks following the event, allowing participants to catch up or revisit the discussion at their convenience.
This event represents a crucial opportunity to understand the complex challenges facing Labour as it navigates one of the most difficult periods in its recent history, with leadership questions, electoral threats, and internal divisions creating a perfect storm of political uncertainty.
