Sadiq Khan backs Keir Starmer saying it is not the time for Labour leadership contest

LocalPolitics
19 May 2026 • 9:29 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Sadiq Khan backs Keir Starmer saying it is not the time for Labour leadership contest

  • Sadiq Khan has publicly supported Sir Keir Starmer, stating that now is not the time for a Labour leadership contest.
  • The Mayor of London acknowledged that May's local election results were 'really bad' for the party and should serve as a 'wake-up call' for the Prime Minister.
  • He urged Labour to 'change the pace of delivery' to regain voter confidence, amidst potential leadership challenges from Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham.
  • Khan emphasised the need for the government to demonstrate the promised changes from July 2024 to the public.
  • His comments follow his earlier warning that Labour faced an 'existential threat' after suffering its worst local election results on record.

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