'There is more to do': Rachel Reeves and other Leeds MPs react to Sir Keir Starmer resignation
One frequent critic of the prime minister said that he had ‘squandered much of the hope’ that the public had placed in him
Leeds MPs have reacted to the resignation of the Prime Minister this morning, with one regular critic saying that the party needs to focus on delivering “real Labour values”.
The representatives have responded after an emotional resignation statement from Sir Keir Starmer, who had spent the weekend considering his future with his family at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country residence.
In a statement outside 10 Downing Street this morning (Monday), Sir Keir said his party had questioned if he was “best placed” to lead Labour into the next general election.
Sir Keir said he had “heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question” and that he would “accept that answer with good grace”.
He will now step down as Prime Minister when his successor is in place, before the end of Westminster’s summer recess.
‘We have achieved a lot together’
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who is the MP for Leeds West and Pudsey, has paid tribute to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership as she said “there is more to do”.
She posted on social media: “From taking our party from the worst defeat in modern history, Keir Starmer turned it around and delivered a landslide majority just four years later.
“That was thanks to the public trusting us on the economy and on security, and thanks to our commitment to investing in every part of our country, in our public services and rebalancing the economy so it works for working people.
“Our economy is now better protected from global instability. We were the fastest growing G7 economy at the start of the year, we’ve had six interest rate cuts and inflation has held steady.
“We have achieved a lot together to be proud of, and there is more to do. I am grateful for Keir’s leadership and the work he has done to build a stronger, more secure Britain.”
‘Squandered much of the hope’
The Labour MP for Leeds East Richard Burgon, who has been a frequent critic of the prime minister, said: “Keir Starmer squandered much of the hope people placed in us at the General Election that Labour would deliver real change - and opened the door to a Reform government.
“We now need to deliver real Labour values with policies that show we are on the side of ordinary people.”
‘Deserves credit’
Labour MP Alex Sobel said: "Sir Keir Starmer of course deserves credit for leading Labour to a landslide election win in 2024 and delivering on key policies like public ownership of rail, Renters Rights and the Employment Rights Bill.
"However, following the devastating losses in May's local council elections, Keir is right to have listened to the voice of the people and those within his own party and agreed an orderly transition of power to allow Labour members to elect a new leader.”
Other MPs for the Leeds constituencies have been contacted for their reaction.