In a private meeting, unions are divided over whether Labour should set a timetable for Keir Starmer’s departure, but they jointly stated that Labour cannot continue on its current path and should prepare for a future leadership change.

Unions acknowledge some progress, such as gains in the Employment Rights Act and higher minimum wages, yet argue Labour’s election results show the party failed to deliver on promises for working people.

Tensions have risen between Labour’s leadership and its union backers, who fund the party, though some union leaders still prioritize policy over leadership infighting.

The draft statement calls for a fundamental shift in Labour’s economic policy and political strategy to better reflect working people’s needs, rather than getting bogged down in Westminster drama.

Unions argue that a planned leadership change is needed to realign Labour with core supporters, and they intend to work together to shape a shared policy and strategy vision.

Leading unions such as Unite, Unison, and the GMB foresee that Starmer will not lead Labour into the next general election and are calling for a future leadership change.

Even after Starmer’s survival of a leadership challenge and the resignation of Wes Streeting allies, his authority is fragile and many Labour MPs have urged him to step down.