Labour-supporting unions predict Starmer will not lead party into next election

Leaked draft statement says party ‘cannot continue on its current path’ under PM

Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets construction apprentices during a visit to London South Bank Technical College. Picture date: Tuesday May 12, 2026.

Keir Starmer will not lead his party into the next British general election, Labour-supporting unions have predicted, in an intervention that threatens to further destabilise the British prime minister after a damaging few days.

The 11 Labour-affiliated unions – which include Unite, Unison and the GMB – are expected to issue a joint statement on Wednesday saying “at some stage” the party will have to put a plan in place to elect a new leader.