My Statement on the Leadership of the Labour Party

Britain is in crisis after fourteen years of chaos, mismanagement and austerity under the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrat coalition partners. This has not been accidental but a series of deliberate political choices that have hollowed out public services, weakened our resilience, and left communities up and down the country facing devastating consequences. From struggling local councils to an overstretched NHS and rising inequality, the impact has been profound and long‑lasting. 

As a result, Britain entered both Brexit and the COVID‑19 pandemic from a position of fragility rather than strength, making it far harder to respond effectively to either challenge and deepening the hardship experienced across our society.

While this Labour Government was elected less than two years ago with a significant mandate, it has a monumental task to rebuild the country and our communities, while simultaneously addressing growing instability and conflict around the world. Only a Labour Government, built on the principles of equality and fairness, can renew our country. Securing a second term is essential.

The hollowing out of our treasured public services, the privatisation agenda, outsourcing and the transfer of wealth from households to shareholders has to end. 

I am proud that this Government has implemented important legislation such as the Renters’ Rights Act, the Railways Bill to establish Great British Railways and the Employment Rights Act, together with local investment for Brinnington under the Pride in Place scheme and the anticipated extension of the Metrolink into Stockport. However, from both polling and consistent conversations on the doorstep, I know that Labour will continue to face challenges - squeezed by Reform on the hard-right and Greens on the hard-left. I strongly believe that this country is best served by the values and leadership of a Labour Government.

Many residents in Stockport continue to be frustrated by the constant pressure of high cost of living, self-inflicted mistakes, including the winter fuel allowance, poorly thought out welfare reforms and the appointment of Peter Mandelson. We promised to be different from our predecessors!

The Labour Government must offer hope, real investment and responsible leadership in all our communities, standing against populism and populists, with a Labour leader who has a clear vision, conviction and the ability to inspire people. We must hold firm to our Party’s values, just as the Labour Government did in 1945.  

As a constituency Labour MP, I do not come to this view easily but sadly, the current Prime Minister is unable to deliver the vision and leadership necessary. Therefore, we need a timetable for a leadership election. To be absolutely clear, I am not advocating support for any potential candidate. It is vital that the Party’s membership has the opportunity to choose a new leader from a strong, credible field, ensuring the very best candidates are on the ballot paper.

Alarmingly, the alternative at the next General Election is a far-right government walking into Downing Street intent on deepening divisions in our communities and dismantling public services and the state.

Notes-
Manchester Evening News - Stockport MP says Keir Starmer should set out timetable to quit and hails Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner