Labour
Leadership
2026

The National Executive Committee has agreed to the following for the forthcoming election for Leader of the Labour Party, following Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing his intention to resign. Keir Starmer will remain Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister until the election has concluded.

Election Process

  • Meet the candidates

    Any member of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) may put themselves or one other Member of the PLP forward.

  • PLP nominations

    Candidates will require the nomination of 20% of the PLP members to stand for election.

  • Affiliate nominations

    All candidates successfully reaching the PLP threshold must also receive nominations from at least 3 affiliates (at least 2 of which shall be trade union affiliates).

  • CLP nominations

    Should a candidate not reach the threshold for affiliate nominations, CLP nominations will then open and candidates must receive the support of at least 5% of CLPs to be validly nominated.

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Timetable

  • 25 JUN 2026

    Freeze date for elector eligibility

    Members who joined on or before 25 December 2025 are eligible to vote.

  • 9 JUL 2026

    PLP nominations stage begins

    Members of the PLP may nominate themselves or one other member of the PLP.

  • 13 JUL 2026

    PLP hustings

    Prospective candidates take part in a PLP hustings.

  • 15 JUL 2026

    PLP nomination stage ends

    Nominations close at 18:00.

  • 15 JUL 2026

    Affiliate nominations stage begins

    Nominations for affiliated trade unions and socialist societies open at 18:00.

  • 16 JUL 2026

    Affiliate nominations stage ends

    Nominations close at 18:00.

  • 17 JUL 2026

    Leadership special conference

    Held if only one candidate and they are validly nominated.

  • 20 JUL 2026

    CLP nominations stage begins

    If one or more candidates validly nominated by the PLP still require nominations, CLPs nominate.

  • 31 JUL 2026

    CLP nominations stage ends

    Nominations close at 17:00.

  • 6 AUG 2026

    Ballot opens

    Members and affiliated supporters cast their votes electronically.

  • 27 AUG 2026

    Ballot closes

    The ballot closes at 17:00.

  • 29 AUG 2026

    Leadership Special Conference

    Announcement of result if contested.

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