Sheffield MPs respond to resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer as Labour leadership contest begins
“We have to accept the significant mistakes made in the last two years of government and the too cautious approach to serious reform and change that we won a mandate on”
Local MPs have shared their thoughts as the Labour party is set to host a leadership contest that will see a new Prime Minister chosen.
Outside Downing Street at 9.30am on Monday (June 22), Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation.
He has now formally stepped down as leader of the Labour party, but remains as Prime Minister for a few weeks longer as a new leader is chosen.
“Every decision I've taken has been about putting the country I love first,” the departing PM said when addressing the nation.
“That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.”
All six MPs across Sheffield will now be joining with Labour members across the country as a leadership contest takes place.
The front-runner so far is seemingly newly-elected Makerfield MP Andy Burnham, who acquired his seat only last week after stepping down as mayor of Greater Manchester.
Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, has yet to comment on the PM’s departure, however led Burnham’s campaign over the past few weeks.
Meanwhile, her counterpart in Brightside and Hillsborough, Gill Furniss, has openly voiced her support for the so-called ‘King of the North’ while celebrating some of Sir Keir’s achievements.
She told The Star: “The Prime Minister has a lot to be proud of. New rights for workers and renters. The devolution of powers to cities and communities across the country. The creation of Great British Railways. Meaningful action to tackle child poverty and so much more.
“The Labour Party was elected on a manifesto of change, and it is clear we need to go even further in delivering on this promise. I look forward to supporting Andy Burnham in the forthcoming leadership contest.”
Sheffield Hallam MP, Olivia Blake, has also hinted towards her support for Burnham moving forward.
She added: “The Prime Minister's resignation today was the right decision, and I thank him for his service.
“The Labour government has started to turn the page on 14 years of the Tories devastating our communities. We have delivered record manifesto pledges from NHS appointments and renters reform, to strengthening employment rights for millions. However, it is clear that the public are not feeling the change they were promised fast enough, or fully enough.
“A new leader must mean a change of direction. Andy Burnham's campaign in Makerfield offers us a glimpse of what is possible when we unite as a party and take the fight to Reform. His time as Mayor of Greater Manchester has shown that he can deliver transformative policies.
“A Labour government must govern and deliver in accordance with Labour values. It is what the public expect, and what this country desperately needs. I will continue to work hard to ensure this Labour government delivers for my constituents in Sheffield Hallam and beyond.”
Sheffield South East MP, Clive Betts, had been a vocal opposer of Sir Keir over the past few weeks, saying that during the campaign ahead of the local elections in May electors were expressing their disappointment with the PM.
Nevertheless, he took time to celebrate departing leader’s successes, while admitting that the party have been “too cautious” over recent years.
“No one can deny the achievement of the Prime Minister in turning around the Labour Party and delivering our mandate for change in 2024,” he added.
“That did not just happen but was worked for tirelessly since 2019. Since then, this government has delivered on things like falling NHS waiting lists, getting immigration back under control along with reducing illegal migration, and bringing in much needed employment and renters right’s reform.
“However, at the same time we have to accept the significant mistakes made in the last two years of government and the too cautious approach to serious reform and change that we won a mandate on. To make amends for that the Prime Minister is right in accepting we need a new leader.
“Whoever that new leader might be must keep the country’s desire for change as their central focus. We need serious change to things like council tax, how we approach welfare, business rates, social care, as well as addressing the cost-of-living challenges we still face. Honouring that 2024 mandate is what we must now show the country.”
Similarly, Abtisam Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central, had called on Sir Keir to resign back in May and shared a simple message following Monday’s speech.
“While it is the right decision, Keir handled his resignation with grace, and his speech was moving to hear,” she wrote on Facebook.
Penistone and Stocksbridge MP, Marie Tidball, took time on Monday morning to thank Sir Keir for his work, saying: “Keir Starmer has been the bridge that enabled our Labour Party to get into government but he is not the destination of our Labour government at this next stage.
“Our work is not done.”
She went on to say that the next Prime Minister must be “bolder” particularly when supporting industrial communities in the north and delivering large-scale transport transformations.
“This is the leadership our communities are crying out for. We need big ideas, and leaders who get things done,” she added
“I will keep making that case every single day, for community, country, fairness and prosperity, and for the British Dream we are all part of. So that my brilliant constituents and beautiful constituency can fulfil our potential.”