Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume has thanked Keir Starmer for his service and expressed her support for his decision to step down as Prime Minister.
Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Labour leader and Prime Minister.
In an emotional speech delivered outside Downing Street, he stated that he believed he could no longer lead the party into the next general election.
Sir Keir Starmer said:
"The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party, and I accept that answer with good grace."
His departure paves the way for the United Kingdom to have its seventh Prime Minister in a decade, and its fifth in just four years.
The Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby, Alison Hume, has issued a statement in response to the resignation, noting that it had become clear in recent days that the Prime Minister no longer enjoyed the confidence of his whole Cabinet and of many Members of Parliament.
Alison Hume said:
"I therefore support his decision to stand down, and I want to thank the Prime Minister for everything he has done – rebuilding the Labour Party at pace in opposition, leading us to a landslide victory, and delivering real change over the past two years.
That includes strengthening workers’ and renters’ rights, reducing NHS waiting lists and small boat crossings, and lifting half a million children out of poverty. It is a record that will have a lasting impact across our country.
The Prime Minister’s statement reflects the qualities he has shown both in the job, and to me personally, as the Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby.
I have perhaps seen the man that the country hasn’t – a decent, dignified and determined individual who puts the country first in all his decisions."
Attention is quickly turning to who will replace him at the head of the government.
Andy Burnham is on his way to the House of Commons, where he will be sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for Makerfield.
The former Greater Manchester mayor has confirmed he will run to succeed Sir Keir Starmer.
He could take over the leadership within weeks, after former health secretary Wes Streeting announced he would not stand against him.
Nominations for any leadership contest are set to close on the 9th of July.
Looking ahead to the upcoming transition, Alison Hume said:
"Moving forward, I will engage constructively as we select Keir Starmer’s successor and also look forward to welcoming the new MP for Makerfield to Parliament.
As a lifelong member of the Labour Party, I know we are at our best when we put disagreements aside and work together for the greater good, and for me that means delivering more change, at pace, for my constituents of Scarborough, Whitby and the villages."
Meanwhile, opposition parties have been reacting to the unprecedented developments in Westminster.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned the delay in appointing a successor if the former health secretary is not running.
Kemi Badenoch said:
"What are we waiting for."
Elsewhere, Reform UK are calling for an immediate general election.
The Liberal Democrats have also commented on the resignation, stating that the next leader must step up to the challenge.
A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats said the next leader must show:
"The ambition our country deserves."
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