Dudley MPs reacts to Labour’s election disaster

After disastrous local election results for Labour the MP for Stourbridge says Keir Starmer must deliver change quickly or step aside.

After disastrous local election results for Labour the MP for Stourbridge says Keir Starmer must deliver change quickly or step aside.

Cat Eccles was elected to parliament in 2024 during Labour’s landslide general election victory but since then Reform UK and the Green Party have seen a surge in support.

Dudley Council elections on May 7 saw Labour lose eight council seats which left them with just 15 of the authority’s 72 elected members, the third largest group behind the Conservatives (27 councillors) and Reform UK (23 councillors).

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.

“The Prime Minister has shown strong leadership internationally during a period of global instability, and that work is important for Britain’s security. But international leadership cannot become a substitute for delivery at home.

“We need a serious change of direction, not cosmetic resets or better messaging, but policies that genuinely improve living standards and restore trust.

“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 whose constituencies cover parts of Dudley borough have given their reaction to the party’s slump in popularity.

Dudley MP Sonia Kumar said: “Elections are always a moment for reflection and it was a tough night. 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.

“I recognise that people want to see delivery happen quicker and feel the benefits of change more directly in their everyday lives.”

Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger described the results as ‘disappointing’, congratulated all successful candidates and issued a call to move beyond political differences.

Mr Ballinger said: “It is important that we put politics aside and work together in the best interests of residents across Dudley.”