Polly has welcomed the resignation of the Prime Minister and has backed Andy Burnham to be the next Prime Minister. In a statement she said:
I welcome the difficult decision Keir Starmer has taken today to step down. In doing so, he has once again demonstrated his commitment to putting the best interests of our country first.
Now that a leadership process is under way, it is vital that it is concluded swiftly, so we can have an orderly transition that allows the Government to remain focused on delivering for the British people.
Keir Starmer leaves office with significant achievements to his name. He rebuilt the Labour Party after our worst electoral defeat in generations, restoring it as a credible party of government. As Prime Minister, he has made real progress in cutting NHS waiting lists, bringing rail services back into public ownership, strengthening Britain’s national security, and delivering greater economic stability for people.
But there is no escaping the message voters sent at the recent local and devolved elections. Too many people do not feel they are experiencing the change Labour promised at the last general election. We must be bolder in delivering that change, and we must stand up more strongly for the values of decency, tolerance, and fairness that make our country great.
Now that the process is under way, people have begun asking me who I will be supporting in the leadership contest. During the recent campaign in Makerfield, I saw firsthand how Andy Burnham’s message of hope, combined with his proven record of delivering for Greater Manchester, won support from people of all backgrounds. At a time of growing division, we need a leader who can bring our communities together.
I’m supporting Andy to be our next Prime Minister because I believe he is the leader who can deliver for places like Makerfield and Thanet that have been left behind by Westminster for too long.