's James O'Brien addressed 's lack of confidence in 's chances on his radio show on Friday, after the former Countdown host said she didn't think he was the man to lead to victory in the next election. It comes after the party suffered a humiliating defeat in this week's local elections in several key regions, and triumphed in their place.

Following the historic win, leader clarified that he now sees as the main opposition to rather than the , and Starmer's popularity rating is at a record low in the history of British prime ministers. O'Brien wondered if recent events demonstrated that Carol might have been right to doubt him. He admitted of her surprise revelation: "It took me by surprise that I didn't really drill down into what she was saying and why she was saying it.

"She said she didn't think Keir Starmer would lead Labour into the next election. I'm sure she won't mind me telling you, I thought that was a little bit bonkers - and I may think it's bonkers again six months from now!" he exclaimed.

Wrestling with the concept, he reflected: "I remind you that one of Keir Starmer's first tests as the leader of the opposition was to lose a by-election that should not have been losable and speculation began then about his leadership.

"He went on to secure one of the most epochal Labour victories in the history of general elections, so we may end up looking stupid, in which case I shall blame it on Carol Vorderman," he joked, "but I don't think it's a stupid question today."

Followers over on X aimed for the jugular when they heard O'Brien's words, with one laughing: "The two biggest 'Labour Lovers' have turned on the leader before the year's out. I knew these two grifters would... shameless hypocrites!"

Another viewer claimed he didn't have confidence in any of the leaders, explaining: "I've said since late last summer that Starmer would be gone by the end of 2025. I don't think Starmer, Badenoch, Davey or Farage [will] make it to the 2029 General Election as leader!"

A third chimed in to argue: "As has been said many times, Labour didn't win the GE - the Tories lost it. Labour need strong leadership, someone we can relate to. Starmer has lost any confidence he had."

Referring to Labour's controversial decision to axe Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners, the viewer added: "Yes we want change, but it should be directed at the top 5%, not by penalising the most vulnerable."

A fourth declared of Starmer: "He's doing an horrendous job - a blind man can see he's not surviving!"