Ashton-in-Makerfield MP calls on Keir Starmer to step down after Labour losses
Josh Simons says Labour has “lost the country” after Reform gains across Wigan
Ashton-in-Makerfield MP Josh Simons has called on Sir Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for stepping down after Labour suffered heavy losses in Wigan at the local elections.
Reform UK won 24 of the 25 seats contested on Wigan Council on Thursday 8th May, with Labour losing every ward it defended.
In a statement Mr Simons says: “When I was elected, I promised to always put the people I represent first.
“Today, that is what I have done. I have called on the Prime Minister to set out an orderly timetable for his departure.
“I always listen and I always take action. I heard the message you sent at these elections: Labour has drifted from working class people. Our actions do not meet the challenges facing our country. We constantly talk big, and act small.”
‘Labour lost every ward’
Mr Simons said “In Wigan, Labour lost every ward. Our vote tanked but turnout also increased, in some cases massively. Working class people queued up to vote against politicians who have built and defended the status quo.
“Towns like mine birthed the Labour Party.
“Now, people whisper that high turnout in working class estates is bad for Labour. When a party fears the people it was created to represent, it is marching towards extinction.”
Mr Simons said Labour needed “radicalism, energy, and immense courage” and warned against defending “the status quo”.
He said: “Putting the people I represent and the country I love first, I do not believe the prime minister can rise to this moment.
“He has lost the country. He should take control of the situation by overseeing an orderly transition to a new prime minister.”
Warning over Reform UK support
Mr Simons also warned Labour risked losing more support to Reform UK if it failed to change direction.
He said: “The alternative risks handing Farage the keys to Downing Street and giving up on working class people.
“I could not look my children in the eye without doing my bit to stop that.”
The comments come after Reform UK made major gains across Greater Manchester and other parts of England in Thursday’s local elections.