The ruling Labour Party's poor performance in local and regional elections in the UK last week has damaged Prime Minister Keir Starmer's authority and could lead to policy changes, according to Chinese experts. While some within Starmer's party may advocate for changes in policy towards China, a complete reversal of the government's pro-engagement strategy is unlikely, the observers said, arguing that Britain's economic situation would make such a move too costly. More than 5,000 seats across 136 English councils and six directly elected mayoralties were contested on Thursday. Labour lost 1,193 seats and control of 36 councils across the United Kingdom, as support for populist parties increased, arguably the worst local election result for any incumbent prime minister. The party also lost two out of the three mayoral positions it previously held. Voters in Wales and Scotland went to the polls to elect representatives to their devolved legislatures. While Labour lost seats in both regions, the results in Wales were particularly damaging, as the party lost power for the first time since devolution in 1999. These results were widely anticipated, as Labour has been steadily declining in both national and regional polls since the 2024 general election. Public dissatisfaction with Starmer specifically has increased, with a poll last month showing that 70 percent of adults believe he is not performing well. His popularity has been negatively impacted by economic stagnation, the rising cost of living, and the controversy surrounding his decision to appoint an associate of the notorious American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as ambassador to the United States.