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Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged the "challenge" faced by the Labour Party ahead of Thursday's local elections. The Prime Minister slammed suggestions he has been the "invisible man" during the run-up to Thursday's vote and insisted it is the last few days of the campaign that "really matter".

Speaking at a campaign rally in south London, the Prime Minister was asked by broadcasters how he could convince voters to support his party, which has slumped in the opinion polls.

The Prime Minister replied: "As you can see, we've got a fantastic Labour team working every single day in London and across the country, campaigning with fantastic councillors and candidates and with a very positive message.

"Of course, it's going to be a challenge, but it is really important we go in fighting for every vote, which has to be earned, in relation to this."

BBC London questioned why the Prime Minister was making his "first appearance on the campaign trail" in the capital two days before polling day, and if the perceived delay was because Labour supporters see him as a "liability".

Asked why he had been the "invisible man," Sir Keir responded: "I've got a fantastic team, not just here but across the country.

"I was with my Camden team only on Saturday, and the positivity that they bring to this is infectious. They know what they are fighting for.

"They've been fighting long and hard over the last few weeks. They know, as I know, the last few days of a campaign really matter.

"I'm really pleased to be here with them, and they bring that spirit of positivity."

It has been reported that Sir Keir, who faces a possible leadership challenge after Thursday, has been kept away from the local election campaign trail over his "toxic" image.

Labour is expected to face a bloodbath, with the loss of over 1,000 seats.

Devastating polls for Sir Keir's party suggest Labour will lose at least six of the 21 councils it currently controls in the UK's capital.

Meanwhile the Greens and Reform UK are set to make major gains.