Suffolk MPs react to Keir Starmer's resignation

Following Sir Keir Starmer's announcement that he is resigning as leader of the Labour Party, and therefore as prime minister, Suffolk MPs have been giving their reactions.

Sir Keir said on Monday morning that he would stay on at No 10 until a new leader was chosen.

Nominations are set to open on 9 July, with the process expected to be completed before the summer parliamentary recess.

New MP Andy Burnham, who won the Makerfield by-election last week, has confirmed he will stand to be the new leader. No other candidates have yet put themselves forward.

Jess Asato, the Labour MP for Lowestoft, said: "Keir Starmer transformed the Labour Party and secured a historic victory in 2024 – one which has helped us to deliver huge changes."

She said those changes included ending the two-child benefit cap, a new child poverty strategy and steps to tackle violence against women and girls.

"Whoever takes over from him must supercharge our delivery on the cost of living, ensure our coastal communities are given the focus they deserve and unite the country against the divisive politics we've seen too much of in recent years," she said.

Jack Abbott, the Labour MP for Ipswich, said: "I am deeply disappointed that the prime minister has stood down less than two years after leading the Labour Party to a landslide victory."

Abbot won his seat in the 2024 election and said Sir Keir's leadership "meant that I have the privilege of serving Ipswich".

He added: "We all must reflect properly, and know that we have to be better at navigating the tough moments, not succumb to them. If we don't, governing won't simply be hard – it will be impossible."

Jenny Riddell-Carpenter became the Labour MP for Suffolk Coastal at the last general election.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service she would make sure the next leader "prioritises and understands the opportunities and challenges facing rural Britain today, and indeed in Suffolk Coastal".

Nick Timothy, Conservative MP for West Suffolk and the shadow justice secretary, said: "Keir Starmer's justice legacy is woeful."

Timothy criticised proposed changes to jury trials and the early release of some prisoners which have taken place during Sir Keir's time as prime minister.

"Starmer will not be missed. His premiership has been a disaster," he said.

Adrian Ramsay, the Green MP for Waveney Valley, said the Sir Keir was right to resign.

"Since the start of this year, it has become increasingly clear that the prime minister's position has been unsustainable, from the revelations around the [Lord] Mandelson appointment to making repeated bad policy decisions," he said.

Ramsay said there had been too many prime ministers in recent years.

"This merry-go-round is not good for the nation. It destabilises the country and, crucially, it means the big issues are not tackled," he said.

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