Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has called for a snap general election if Sir Keir Starmer is removed as prime minister, warning that voters would not accept another change of leader without going to the polls.
Sir Keir Starmer, who is facing mounting political pressure amid speculation over a possible leadership challenge, could come under further strain as figures within Labour position themselves for a potential contest over the party’s direction.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Farage said a change of prime minister without an election would be unacceptable to the public.
“Yes. The public have had enough of Prime Ministers constantly changing,” he said when asked whether a snap election should be held in the event of a leadership change.
The intervention comes amid growing speculation at Westminster over Sir Keir’s future, with ex-health secretary Wes Streeting and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham both linked to potential leadership ambitions.
Almost 100 Labour MPs are reported to have urged Sir Keir to clarify his long-term intentions in Downing Street, adding to a sense of instability within the party.
The political uncertainty has revived comparisons with the rapid turnover of recent prime ministers, with Britain having seen six leaders since 2010.
A departure by Sir Keir would also make him one of the shortest-serving Labour prime ministers in modern history, having been in office for just over 600 days since the 2024 general election.
However, there is no constitutional requirement for a general election following a change of prime minister, with previous transitions occurring mid-parliament without returning the country to the polls.
Gordon Brown assumed office in 2007 without calling an immediate election, a decision that drew criticism from opponents at the time.
Baroness Harman, advising Labour on women and girls’ policy, has also suggested that a new leader could feel compelled to seek a fresh mandate if public support shifted significantly.
“There is a scenario in which the new leader… actually thinks ‘I need a new mandate’,” she said, warning that a surge in opposition polling could accelerate pressure for an early election.
She added that Mr Farage would likely argue strongly against any unelected change of prime minister, saying voters would feel bypassed.
Conservative figures are meanwhile understood to be preparing for an early election, amid concern that political instability could force a rapid return to the polls.
Polling by More in Common suggests Reform UK has moved into first place on 30 per cent, with Labour on 20 per cent and the Conservatives on 19 per cent, though other scenarios indicate Labour could recover under alternative leadership.
Analysts suggest that a leadership change could reshape the electoral landscape, potentially leading to a hung parliament and renewed debate over coalition arrangements.
The developments underline growing uncertainty across Westminster, as parties begin to position themselves for a potentially volatile political period ahead of the next general election.
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