Dudley borough's Labour MPs have been having their say on the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, following a disastrous set of local election results in May and a by-election defeat that sealed his fate.
Starmer steps down after mounting pressure
Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation during an emotional speech in Downing Street on June 22, after less than two years in the top job. Pressure had been mounting since Labour's poor performance in the May local elections, and his fate appeared sealed when leadership rival Andy Burnham won a big victory in the Makerfield by-election on June 18.
Mr Burnham, en route to London to be sworn in as a new MP, announced he would contend for the leadership of the party and the keys to Downing Street.
Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger pays tribute
Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger had been among Labour members calling for the PM's head. In a statement released after the resignation, Mr Ballinger said: "As Prime Minister his leadership was responsible for dramatic improvements. Whether it is NHS waiting lists, child poverty or our international reputation – history will look back on him kindly. He has a huge amount to be proud of, and it is typical of Keir Starmer that in standing down, he has again put the country first."
Dudley MP Sonia Kumar thanks Starmer
Dudley MP Sonia Kumar said: "I would like to thank Sir Keir Starmer for his service to our country and for the leadership he has shown, both as Prime Minister and before that as leader of the opposition. Leading the Labour Party to a landslide election victory when many said it could not be done was a remarkable achievement. The decision to step down as Prime Minister cannot have been an easy one."
Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles looks to the future
Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles also thanked Keir Starmer for his service, but had one eye on the future which seems certain to see Andy Burnham installed as PM. She said: "Many communities are still struggling and have yet to feel the change they were promised. As we look ahead, we must remember that voters chose a collective Labour platform and a mandate for change, not just an individual leader. We must remain committed to that bold programme to tackle inequality and redistribute opportunity."
The process has now begun to find the next resident of 10 Downing Street, with Andy Burnham widely expected to become the new Prime Minister.
