Keir Starmer Faces Harsh Criticism from Labour’s Ros Jones After Narrow Victories Against Reform UK in Key Areas

Keir Starmer is facing intense criticism from within his own party after Labour was pushed to the limit by Reform UK in several areas previously considered safe.

This criticism came from Ros Jones, the mayor of Doncaster, who has served since 2013.

Despite winning re-election, Jones expressed her frustration with Starmer’s leadership and pointed out key issues that needed to be addressed.

Ros Jones Calls for Policy Reversal on Critical Issues

In a pointed statement, Jones, who narrowly won her fourth term as Doncaster’s mayor with a slim margin of 698 votes over Reform UK’s Alexander Jones, called for the Labour leadership to take serious heed of public concerns.

She particularly highlighted cuts to winter fuel payments, changes to disability benefits, and national insurance increases for small businesses as major points of contention.

In an interview with the BBC, Jones stated, “They need to listen to the man, woman, and businesses on the street and actually deliver for the people.”

Jones emphasized that these issues were not just political talking points but real-life struggles faced by voters in her constituency and beyond.

She also raised concerns over the means-testing of winter fuel payments, which was introduced by Labour’s Rachel Reeves, and the financial strain of national insurance hikes on small businesses.

The mayor called for these decisions to be reconsidered, arguing that they were causing unnecessary hardship for vulnerable groups.

Close Races Across the Country Raise Alarm for Labour’s Leadership

Although Jones managed to hold onto her seat in Doncaster, the results highlighted a worrying trend for Labour.

Reform UK also secured strong showings in other mayoral races, including North Tyneside and the West of England, areas Labour had previously thought to be safe.

In North Tyneside, Labour’s Karen Clark barely secured a win, with only a 444-vote lead over Reform UK’s John Falkenstein.

In the West of England, Labour’s Helen Godwin triumphed but faced fierce competition from Reform UK’s Arron Banks, who secured over 45,000 votes.

These results have raised questions about Starmer’s leadership, especially as Labour’s traditional heartlands show signs of erosion.

While Labour managed to secure victories, the close margins in previously safe areas have led some critics to question whether Starmer’s government can maintain its grip on power.

Reform UK Gains Momentum Across the Country

Reform UK, led by former UKIP figure Nigel Farage, continues to gain traction, particularly in areas like the West of England, where Banks expressed his belief that the UK was witnessing a “tidal wave” of support for his party.

Despite losing to Labour, Banks remained optimistic, claiming that Reform UK was closing the gap and even beating the Greens in some key areas.

This surge in support for Reform UK signals growing discontent with the current political landscape, making Starmer’s position even more precarious.

The Rising Criticism of Keir Starmer’s Leadership

A spokesperson for the Conservative Party quickly jumped on the criticism from within Labour, highlighting how even Labour’s own elected mayors are now openly questioning Starmer’s approach.

“Ros Jones has barely been re-elected as Labour mayor of Doncaster – and her first move? Publicly tearing into Keir Starmer’s failing government,” the spokesperson remarked.

The spokesperson also criticized Labour’s policies, including cuts to winter fuel payments and the national insurance increase, calling them “cruel” and further damaging Starmer’s credibility.

As the political landscape continues to shift, questions about Keir Starmer’s leadership grow louder.

Many are now wondering if Labour can continue to hold onto its traditional strongholds, especially as new challengers like Reform UK make significant inroads across the country.