My Statement on the Resignation of the Prime Minister

Several weeks ago, I made clear my belief that the Prime Minister should step aside. I did not reach that conclusion lightly, but after listening to constituents in Stockport and reflecting on the challenges facing our nation, our government and the Labour Party, I believed a change in leadership had become necessary.

Today's announcement brings one chapter to a close, but our focus must now be firmly fixed on the future.

It is important to recognise Sir Keir Starmer's service to both our nation and the Labour Party. He led Labour back into government with a historic mandate from the British people after years of Conservative and Liberal Democrat chaos, economic mismanagement and political instability. That was no small achievement. For his dedication to public service and his commitment to returning Labour to power, he deserves our thanks and respect.

The leadership contest ahead presents an opportunity not simply to choose a new leader, but to renew Labour's sense of purpose. It is a chance to reconnect with the concerns of the country, refocus on the priorities that matter most and show that Labour remains the party of fairness, opportunity and national renewal.

Each and every week, I speak to residents, businesses, community groups and frontline workers in Stockport. While many placed their faith in Labour for the first time and want to see this government succeed, they have also told me that the pace of change has not always matched the scale of the challenges they face. Whether it is pressure on public services, rising living costs, housing or growing inequality, people want a government that is listening, acting and delivering.

While this government, under Sir Keir Starmer, has achieved much in a short space of time and delivered significant reforms such as the Employment Rights Act and the Renters' Rights Act, too many people simply have not felt that progress in their daily lives. Since being re-elected in 2024, I have had to take the immensely difficult decision to break the Labour whip on several occasions.

The scale of the task before us remains immense. We are still dealing with the long-term consequences of austerity, the economic damage caused by Brexit and the lasting impact of the pandemic. In my view, years of underinvestment have weakened public services and left too many communities feeling overlooked and left behind. Rebuilding that damage was never going to happen overnight, but the work must continue with renewed energy and focus.

Labour has always been at its strongest when united by a clear mission. As the party of fairness, equality and opportunity, we must now come together behind a vision that not only inspires our members but earns and maintains the trust of the British people.

History shows that Labour governments are often elected to repair the damage left behind by others. We restore stability, rebuild public services and lay the foundations for future prosperity. That responsibility now rests with us. The work is unfinished, and we cannot afford to lose sight of it. At a time when divisive politics fuelled by parties both on the far right and far left are seeking to exploit people's frustrations, Labour must offer seriousness, competence and hope.

Whoever emerges as our next leader and Prime Minister must unite our movement, restore public confidence and provide the clear leadership needed to navigate continued cost-of-living pressures, rapid social change and increasing international uncertainty.

The British people entrusted Labour with a historic mandate because they wanted change. We must never take that trust for granted. Now is the time to listen, to learn and to lead with renewed purpose. The task before us is clear: to rebuild trust in politics, renew confidence in government and ensure that every community has a stake in Britain's future. Together, we must build a fairer, stronger and more hopeful country for generations to come, and my focus as always will remain on what is best for Stockport.