Red wall MPs urge change on Starmer after election losses

LABOUR MPs from the so-called red wall have urged the Government to invest in former industrial areas - or risk losing voters’ support.

- JAMES ROBINSON

It comes after the party suffered a bruising night in local elections last week.

In Northumberland, the party was reduced to just eight councillors as Reform UK made significant gains in red wall towns such as Blyth and Ashington.

In Durham, Reform won control of the county council, winning 65 of the 98 seats, while Labour crashed to just four seats. Twelve years ago, Labour held 94 out of the then 126 seats on the council.

The MPs’ statement, published on social media, highlights the removal of winter fuel payments as a key issue and warns Prime Minister Keir Starmer that he must act “before it’s too late”.

It reads: "The election results were the first big test for the prime minister and the Plan for Change in red wall areas. Our voters told us loudly and clearly that we have not met their expectations.

"The response that the government will go further and faster on the Plan for Change has fallen on deaf ears. This is our call for action: visit our areas, listen and rebuild the social contract between government and the people. Responding to the issues raised by our constituents, including on winter fuel, isn’t weak - it takes us to a position of strength.