London, United Kingdom – February 27, 2026 – British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has firmly rejected calls for his resignation following Labour's stunning loss in the Gorton and Denton by-election, describing the result as “very disappointing” while pledging to stay on and lead the party forward.
The by-election, held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Labour MP Gerald Kaufman’s successor amid a standards probe, saw Labour suffer a humiliating defeat in what was once considered one of its safest seats in Greater Manchester. The seat, held by Labour with majorities exceeding 20,000 votes in recent general elections, fell to Reform UK in a dramatic swing that has sent shockwaves through Westminster.
Final results declared early Friday morning showed Reform UK candidate winning with approximately 38% of the vote, overturning Labour's traditional dominance. Labour finished a distant second with around 28%, while the Conservatives trailed in third. Turnout was reported at 32%, reflecting voter apathy and protest voting amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures and dissatisfaction with the government's early performance.
Speaking outside Downing Street on Friday afternoon, Sir Keir Starmer addressed the result head-on. “This is a very disappointing result, and we take it extremely seriously,” he said. “But I am clear: I will not be stepping down. I was elected to lead this country through difficult times, and that is exactly what I intend to do.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged voter frustration, attributing the loss to a combination of local issues, national economic challenges, and effective campaigning by Reform UK under Nigel Farage's influence. He insisted the defeat would serve as a wake-up call rather than a fatal blow, vowing to redouble efforts on key priorities: economic stability, NHS waiting lists, border security, and public service reform.
“This government is only seven months old. We inherited a challenging situation, and we are working hard to deliver the change people voted for in July 2024,” Starmer added. “We will listen, we will learn, and we will act. Stepping down now would be the easy option—I choose the harder path of getting on with the job.”
The Gorton and Denton result marks Reform UK's most significant parliamentary breakthrough since its formation, building on strong local election performances and growing national polling that has seen the party occasionally overtake the Conservatives in third place. Reform campaigned heavily on immigration, net-zero policies, and anti-establishment themes, resonating with disillusioned Labour and Conservative voters.
Senior Labour figures expressed concern privately, with some MPs warning that continued poor performances could erode the party's 2024 landslide majority ahead of future by-elections and the next general election. However, allies of the Prime Minister rallied behind him, pointing to internal polling showing Labour retaining a lead over the Conservatives nationally despite the setback.
Opposition leaders seized on the result. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described it as “a clear rejection of Labour's direction,” while Reform UK's Nigel Farage hailed it as proof that “the political establishment is crumbling.” Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for an early general election, arguing the government had lost its mandate.
The by-election defeat comes amid broader challenges for the Starmer administration, including sluggish economic growth, persistent inflation in essentials, ongoing NHS pressures, and controversy over winter fuel payment cuts and welfare reforms. Downing Street sources indicated the Prime Minister would convene a strategy meeting with senior ministers and party officials over the weekend to review messaging and policy delivery.
Sir Keir's insistence on staying in post echoes his response to earlier setbacks, including local election losses in May 2025. He has repeatedly framed his leadership as focused on long-term delivery rather than short-term popularity, urging patience as reforms take effect.
As Westminster digests the implications of the Gorton and Denton result—one of the largest swings against an incumbent government in recent by-election history—the coming weeks will test Labour's resilience and Starmer's ability to steady the ship amid mounting pressure from both within and outside his party.
