'He has again put the country first' - Dudley Labour MPs have their say on Starmer's resignation
Plenty of thanks for now former Prime Minister Keir Starmer after he is ousted by MPs .
Dudley borough’s Labour MPs have been having their say on the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
After a disastrous set of local election results in May pressure mounted for the Labour leader to stand down after less than two years in the top job.
Sir Keir’s fate appeared sealed after leadership rival Andy Burnham won a big victory in the Makerfield by-election on June 18.
After the PM announced his resignation during an emotional speech in Downing Street on June 22, MPs were quick to pay tribute to the man who had just been effectively ousted by the Parliamentary Labour Party.
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 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 also thanked Keir Starmer for his service; she also 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.”