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22
Jun
Country needs 'different leadership', says mayor after Starmer resignation
The UK needs “different leadership” to tackle right-wing populism following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has said.
Labour’s David Skaith said in a statement Sir Keir was “a good man” who had put “country before party” during his time in office.
But Mr Skaith added it was time for "a vision for Britain that people can get behind and believe in".
The Prime Minster announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party this morning, but will stay in 10 Downing Street until a new leader is elected.
Sir Keir's resignation comes after mounting pressure within his party following Andy Burnham's victory in last week's Makerfield by-election.
Mr Skaith said:
We face an ever-growing threat from right-wing populism, which has the potential to do great and lasting harm to communities across our county and the country. This calls for different leadership, with a vision for Britain that people can get behind and believe in.
People in York and North Yorkshire want to see investment in their communities, better transport links and good jobs for local people. They want politics that delivers, and so do I.
Mr Skaith spent a day last week campaigning in the by-election for Mr Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, who is expected to put his name forward for Labour leader.
He is due to be sworn in as an MP in the House of Commons this afternoon.
Meanwhile, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said Sir Keir's resignation was "the latest in a string of disappointing leaders".
Cllr Carl Les, Conservative leader of North Yorkshire Council, said his authority would lobby the new Prime Minister and cabinet members for a better deal from central government for the authority in the future.
He said:
There’s a certain level of crystal ball gazing needed, but if it is Andy Burnham who becomes leader of the Labour Party and then, because of their majority, the next prime Minister, the hope would be that he understands the disconnect that we feel there is between a government based in London and the North.
And I would hope he closes that gap.
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