The Labour Party experienced a significant decline in membership last year, losing one member approximately every eight minutes, according to figures contained in a recent report submitted to the Electoral Commission. By the end of 2025, party membership stood at 264,754, marking the lowest level in 12 years and a decrease of 68,481 from 333,235 members reported at the end of 2024.

This sharp drop reflects a challenging period for Labour under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer. The party faced multiple scandals and policy reversals throughout 2025, contributing to a downturn in support. Labour’s membership peaked at 564,443 in 2017 during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership but has been in steady decline since the party’s poor showing in the 2019 general election, which was its worst post-war defeat.

Sir Keir Starmer took the helm in 2020 and led Labour to a resounding victory in the general election four years later. However, his tenure as Prime Minister was marred by a rapid decline in popularity both within the party and among the electorate, with dissatisfaction growing over the course of his two years in office. The party’s discontent culminated in a series of poor results in local elections earlier in 2026.

The political shift was further underscored by Andy Burnham’s success in the Makerfield by-election and his subsequent return to Westminster. Following these developments, Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as leader on June 22. Burnham succeeded him as Prime Minister last month.

A Labour Party spokesperson emphasized the role of committed members and supporters in driving political change and expressed optimism for the future under Burnham’s leadership, stating that the party is "bringing back hope."

The membership decline and leadership changes highlight ongoing challenges for Labour as it seeks to rebuild and regain voter confidence in a shifting political landscape.