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Newport West and Islwyn’s Labour MP has called on the Prime Minister to step aside following the party’s dismal performance at last week’s Senedd election.

Writing in an opinion piece for Caerphilly Observer, Ruth Jones said Keir Starmer “should set out a timetable for an orderly transition to a new leadership”.

Labour won just nine of the 96 seats available in the Senedd last week, and suffered heavy losses in council elections across England.

Ms Jones, who chairs the Welsh Affairs select committee, said: “Although I was glad to see the Prime Minister accept responsibility for failings across the country during his speech this morning, he failed to mention Wales – a country which has been supported by Labour and has in turn delivered Labour representation at all levels of government.”

She said the cost-of-living crisis came up heavily on the doorstep during the election campaign, something she accused the “Westminster Bubble” of failing to understand.

“As we rapidly approach council elections in 2027, the Labour Party needs to be clear on its messaging and demonstrate a plan as to how it can bring about positive change during these testing times,” explained Ms Jones. 

“The Prime Minister has done brilliant work in landing us a huge majority at the last election after years in opposition, and his reassuring presence on the international stage has been most welcomed during a time of instability across the globe.

“It is with deep regret that we have reached this point, however we must listen to the people of Wales, and across the UK, who have categorically rejected our current plan and trajectory.

“In the coming contest I look forward to seeing a return to our core values as we seek to deliver meaningful change.”