Local election wipeout would see off Starmer, MPs say after Caerphilly rout

Crushing defeat in Welsh byelection triggers renewed outpouring of anger and concern within Labour

A wipeout for Labour in next May's local elections would spell the end of Keir Starmer's premiership, MPs have said, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in its traditional heartland in Wales.

Though Plaid Cymru beat Reform UK to capture the Senedd seat in Caerphilly, the result highlighted a striking collapse of Labour's vote, prompting fears in Westminster that Labour could be reduced to third place in Wales, a loss that would leave the leader's position unrecoverable.