Labour MPs shaken by the party’s local election collapse are showing signs of deep concern. Baroness Harriet Harman, former Labour deputy leader, described the mood among MPs as “dismayed, demoralised, and shocked.”
Speaking after Thursday’s election results, Harman noted a shift in party confidence. “I detect now more of a wobbling than there’s been so far,” she explained. While new MPs remained loyal to Keir Starmer since last July, the latest defeats have rattled them.
Labour MPs shaken by the reality of voter rejection are now grappling with the fallout. “They’ve had to confront voters who welcomed them last year now turning away,” Harman said. She emphasized this has destabilised many MPs but not along clear factional lines.
Although the right wing of the party feels emboldened, especially on immigration, Harman downplayed fears of a major split. “It’s just a feeling of downcastness,” she remarked. There’s no sign of an alternative policy agenda emerging within the party.
Labour MPs shaken by the results will likely regain composure by next week. Harman expects tensions to cool when Parliament reconvenes. However, she warned the focus will now intensify on immigration policy.
“All eyes will be on Yvette Cooper,” Harman predicted, highlighting the home secretary’s role. She believes immigration will rise sharply on the party’s internal agenda in the coming months.
Despite the setbacks, Harman does not expect Labour to descend into instability. She views the mood as somber but steady, with no immediate risk of deep fractures.
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