In a post on social media this evening Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher responded to the results of yesterday’s local elections in which the Labour Party lost hundreds of council seats to Reform UK.
Dr Opher wrote: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the local elections. Campaigning is exhausting, and I hope everyone can get a bit of rest over the next few days.
“While results are still coming in, it is clear that Labour is facing one of the most serious setbacks in its history. We are not delivering what we promised. Voters are frustrated by the slow pace of change and disillusioned by too many poor judgement calls and political mis-steps. Across the country, we have lost support to parties on our left, allowing Reform to come through the middle.
“This is an existential moment for both our party and our country. The message from voters could not be clearer: things have to change.
“The government is beginning to deliver in some important areas, but the leadership is now deeply unpopular, and I fear that this loss of confidence is now terminal.
“The Prime Minister cannot take our party into the next general election. We owe it to our members, elected representatives, and the country to set aside pride and ambition.
“We need an orderly transition that brings together the very best talents across the Labour Party to deliver the change this country so desperately needs and to stop the far right from entering Number 10.”
