Keir Starmer to launch local elections campaign with focus on cost of living

PM will also cite Iran war as reason to stick with Labour, as party adopts new slogan: ‘Pride in Britain’

Keir Starmer will say that a vote for Reform UK will put at risk progress Labour is making on the cost of living, arguing that Britain’s values are being tested in a volatile world.

Launching the party’s local elections campaign with a new slogan: “Pride in Britain”, Starmer will urge voters to stay the course with Labour. A dire set of results are predicted for the party in Wales, Scotland and English councils, especially in the north-east of England and London.

Starmer will put the focus on government action on the cost of living as he launches the campaign at a rally in the West Midlands alongside the Labour deputy leader, Lucy Powell, and other cabinet ministers.

But party chiefs have conceded the polls are likely to result in sweeping losses for Labour. These could include losing power in Wales after 27 years, with polls showing Labour lagging behind Plaid Cymru and Reform. The Scottish National party also looks set to deny Labour’s Anas Sarwar the chance for victory in Holyrood and many Labour councils could be lost to Greens and independents.