United KingdomYīngguó英国Labour PartyGōngdǎng工党localdìfāng地方electionxuǎnjǔ选举to suffer a crushing defeatcǎn bài惨败，StarmerSītǎmò斯塔默to facemiànlín面临within the partydǎng nèi党内resignationcízhí辞职pressureyālì压力。
May 12, 2026 at 6:00 AM
New Words
News in English
China & WorldUK Labour Suffers Major Local Election Losses as Calls Grow for Starmer to Resign
UK Labour lost over 1,100 council seats in May 8 local elections, with right-wing populist party Reform UK gaining over 1,400 seats. Prime Minister Starmer rejected calls to resign, promising to address the results.
The UK Labour Party suffered a significant setback in local elections held on May 8th. In this election involving approximately 5,000 seats, Labour lost more than 1,100 previously held seats.
The right-wing populist party Reform UK showed strong performance, winning more than 1,400 seats and taking control of multiple local councils for the first time. Labour also lost governing power in Wales, ending 27 years of rule.
After the election results were announced, several party members called for Prime Minister Starmer to resign. However, Starmer refused to step down, acknowledging the election results were very difficult and promising to face the challenges ahead directly.
Analysts point out that a sluggish economy and multiple controversial government decisions are the main reasons for Labour's declining approval rating.
More in China & World
European Union (EU)Ōuméng欧盟and / withyǔ与ChinaZhōngguó中国on / regardingjiù就hybrid (vehicle)hùndòng混动automobile / carqìchē汽车tariff / customs dutyguānshuì关税and / as well asjí及rare earth (materials)xītǔ稀土exportchūkǒu出口controls / restrictionsguǎnzhì管制to reach / to achievedáchéng达成agreement / dealxiéyì协议。
EU and China Agree on Hybrid Vehicle Tariffs and Rare Earth Export Controls in Trade Deal
TaiwanTáiwān台湾presidentzǒngtǒng总统Lai Ching-te (Taiwan president)Lài Qīngdé赖清德in / atzài在National Dayguóqìng国庆speech / addressyǎnjiǎng演讲in / withinzhōng中to announce / to declarexuānbù宣布to increase / to raisezēngjiā增加national defenseguófáng国防budgetyùsuàn预算。
Taiwan President Lai Pledges $40 Billion Defense Boost in National Day Address
former / previousqián前the United NationsLiánhéguó联合国High Commissioner for Human Rightsrénquán shìwù gāojí zhuānyuán人权事务高级专员Navi Pillay (South African jurist and human rights advocate)Nàwéi Pílái纳维·皮莱to be honored with / to winrónghùo荣获the year 20262026 nián2026年the Nobel Peace PrizeNuòbèiěr Hépíng Jiǎng诺贝尔和平奖。
Former UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay Wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
ChinaZhōngguó中国mainlandnèidì内地stock marketgǔshì股市after the holidayjié hòu节后again / anewchóngxīn重新to open for tradingkāipán开盘，the Shanghai index (Shanghai Composite)Hù Zhǐ沪指slightly / by a small marginxiǎofú小幅to edge up / to risezǒu gāo走高。
Chinese Stocks Edge Higher on First Day of Trading After Golden Week Holiday