Keir Starmer Resigns: Labour Leaders Praise Legacy

Keir Starmer has said he will resign as Prime Minister in a speech outside 10 Downing Street today (Monday, June 22).

The move comes after months of turmoil and longer-term upheaval, including the Southport murders, policy U-turns and the loss of 1,498 Labour councillors in this years local elections.

The party won the most seats in the Reading Borough Council elections, but three leading Labour councillors lost their seats in a vote some saw as a referendum on Sir Keirs leadership.

Local Labour figures praised his conduct. Liz Terry (Labour, Coley) said: "He has decided to step aside. I thought his speech reflected the man I have met on several occasions, one who can be serious about the future of the country but is more personable, funny and engaging when meeting the public. I believe he really endeavoured to do the very best for the people of the United Kingdom."

Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, said: "Keir Starmer has shown incredible grace and leadership with his moving statement today, which will allow the Labour Party to move forward and revitalise itself."

Olivia Bailey, the Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, added: "The PM is a decent, principled and kind man, and it has been a privilege to work alongside him in opposition, as an MP, and now as a minister."

Nominations for a new Labour leader will open on Thursday, July 9 and close on Thursday, July 16 when Parliament begins its summer recess.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter