Mixed reaction to PM's 'inevitable' resignation

Residents in the South East say Sir Keir Starmer's resignation had been "inevitable", with some calling on his successor to make changes to help businesses.

Starmer announced on Monday that he would step down as prime minister in time for a replacement to be found before September, amid speculation that Andy Burnham could enter Downing Street after his by-election win in Makerfield.

Following the announcement, some people in Eastbourne thought Sir Keir "did a good job", while others feared what would come next.

Labour politicians in Kent and Sussex took to social media to praise the outgoing PM, but Kent Council's Refom UK leader Linden Kemkaran described the situation as "absolutely farcical".

Eastbourne resident Peter Austin said: "I think it's probably the best thing to happen because if it had carried on then the whole country would have been under a question mark.

"I don't think he is a bad bloke, but he [Starmer] is not the greatest PM, frankly."

Resident Lesley said: "I think it's a shame that he is going. Given time I think it would have been good, but I also think it was inevitable."

Setting out a timetable for his departure, Starmer said nominations for a Labour leadership contest would open in July, and a new prime minister would be in place for when Parliament reconvenes in September.

Former Mayor of Greater Manchester Burnham was expected by many in Eastbourne to win the contest, but business owners expressed concerns about whether it would be "out of the frying pan and into the kettle" if he entered 10 Downing Street.

Kevin Dawson, who owns a wine bar in the town, said: "I'm more concerned about whether Burnham will reduce taxes and sort the fuel crisis.

"We are suffering, and people are more concerned about what is left in their bank account."

In Gravesend, Emmanuel Agyei said he thought Starmer's announcement was "not the right decision", adding "I don't know where the pressure is coming from now".

But Paul Bonnell said: "However honourable a man he [Starmer] thinks he is, he must realise that he has failed."

On the prospect of Burnham's leadership, he added: "I admire him. I'm a lifelong Tory by nature, but I have always rated him very highly."

In Kent, Dover and Deal MP Mike Tapp said it was a "sad day" to see Starmer leaving office.

Tapp, who is also a Home Office minister, had called over the weekend for legislation changes which would compel a government to call a general election, if its leader is ousted by their own party.

Business Secretary and Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle also said Starmer had "earned my respect when I saw him fight to save Labour".

For Reform, KCC leader Kemkaran accused the party of "chopping and changing leaders without the democratic consent of the country".

She added: "Labour is broken, just like the Conservatives."

Green MP Sian Berry also criticised Starmer, calling for the next general election to be held under a proportional representation system, where seats are won based on a party's share of the total vote.

The Brighton Pavilion MP added: "The people's voice should always be the loudest voice in the rooms of Government."

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