Keir Starmer is under pressure to step down - he needs our prayers more than ever

Last week’s local elections confirm that people have lost trust in both the system and the politicians - and the fragmentation that exists in British politics. In Scotland the SNP took most seats but fell short of a majority, with Labour and Reform tied for second place. Labour lost control of Wales for the first time ever, with Plaid Cymru as the largest party, and Reform in second place.

The English results were a mixed bag. Reform took the most seats across the country and gained control of 14 councils (although their national vote share actually fell from the last elections). The Conservatives lost 563 councillors overall, but increased their national vote share and the Greens made good gains, including taking five councils and two mayoralties. The Lib Dems continued to make steady gains, which were largely unspectacular, except in Richmond upon Thames where they took every single seat on the council.

Labour had its worst ever result, losing control of 37 councils and suffering a net loss of almost 1,500 councillors and, as a result, Keir Starmer’s position as prime minister seems precarious. Former minister Catherine West threatened to trigger a leadership challenge if nobody in the cabinet did so, and a rising number of Labour MPs have now called for him to step down. Despite a huge government majority, the PM looks unlikely to remain in post for very long.

Losing trust in the system

In a new world of multi-party politics, perhaps it’s time to change the UK electoral system. In a multi-party contest, candidates can – and do – win with less than 20% of the vote, which inevitably makes most voters feel as though their votes don’t really count. In 2024, Labour won almost 64% of the seats with less than 34% of the vote, whilst Reform won less than 1% of the seats with 14% of the vote.

We need to address the public’s understanding of what governments and politicians can realistically achieve

A more proportional system could restore a modicum of trust. A higher chance of coalition governments would also require parties to work together for the good of the country and moderate divisive policies, such as Reform’s proposal to place large immigrant detention centres in areas that voted Green for example!

Restoring trust in politics is complex, but I’m unconvinced it will be achieved by the ruling party continuing to play merry-go-round games with the office of Prime Minister. Instead, we need to address the public’s understanding of what governments and politicians can realistically achieve.

One Labour MP summed up the problem when they told the BBC: “I am…of the view that anyone who takes over (from Starmer) will inherit the same problem – an impatient and almost ungovernable country that wants tax cuts and spending increases on nearly everything.”

An impossible ask

The electorate rightly expect high standards from their representatives. However, the pressures mean there’s a danger that fewer people will be willing to stand for election. As well as competing - or, indeed impossible - expectations, the rise of social media has driven huge levels of abuse, including death threats for councillors and MPs. 

In the past decade, two MPs - Jo Cox and David Amess - have been murdered. The Jo Cox Civility Commission found that 90% of female Scottish MPs feared for their safety, and 43% of Welsh MPs and Senedd members had received a death threat. No wonder people are reluctant to enter public service.

Restoring trust in politics is complex, but I’m unconvinced it will be achieved by the ruling party continuing to play merry-go-round games 

As Christians who believe that God ordains authority and good government as part of his purposes, we urgently need to pray for serious, servant-hearted and competent people to step up. Let’s encourage our churches to support and pray for their elected representatives – whatever colour rosette they wear – for protection, wisdom and strength. Please reach out to them. They may not receive a lot of encouragement, and you can be an incredible witness in the way that you engage.

And if – despite the challenges – you feel called to stand for election yourself, for whichever party, that would be fantastic. Christians in Politics have a vast array of resources designed to encourage and champion Christians wanting to get involved in public life. You will need support and prayer, but I promise it will be rewarding.

To serve in elected office is an enormous blessing and privilege. It is a role that brings you alongside others, to meet their needs and to be a voice for the voiceless. Despite the challenges, I absolutely love what I do.

Let’s end by praying Solomon’s prayer for wisdom in 1 Kings 3, that for all those seeking to get involved in politics, God will “give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong”.