Worcester’s MP says Sir Keir Starmer did an “excellent job on the world stage” and is hoping for a smooth transition of power.
An emotional Sir Keir announced his intention to resign as Prime Minister in a speech earlier this week.
Tom Collins, the Labour MP for Worcester, said he was “sad to see this situation” despite admitting this government has had its failings.
SPEECH: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Lady Victoria Starmer after his resignation speech (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA)
“My deep desire has been to see Keir step up in his assertiveness and leadership, and for him to continue in post, but also directly challenge the cultural issues in government,” said Mr Collins.
“This government has made some excellent progress; it has reversed austerity, put children’s lives and experiences back front and centre on the political agenda, tackled violence against women and girls, prioritised green energy and has focussed on fixing and investing in our NHS.
“It has brought about a generational shift in the rights of people who rent their homes and has taken assertive action to restore our public services.
“Keir has also done an excellent job on the world stage. He is clearly a person of integrity; trustworthy and motivated by duty. He is intelligent, thoughtful, and compassionate.
“His resignation speech demonstrated this superbly and highlighted his qualities of dignity and respect.”
Andy Burnham, who was sworn in as an MP on Monday after winning the Makerfield by-election, is so far the only person to openly set out plans to lead the Labour party and if he faces no opposition, could become prime minister by mid-July.
Mr Collins said: “Stability has value, and change carries a cost.
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“My hope is that we will now find a prime minister who will do an excellent job and I am hoping that we will now see a smooth transition of power.
“I also hope that the outcome is a government with the same core values of fairness, unity, dignity for all, and care for nature.
“One that puts people first and delivers collaboration, leadership, and change. Personally, I also hope that we find ourselves with a leader and government who embody a high quality of politics and democracy, pursuing integrity, transparency, and diversity. For my part, that is what I will be looking for in a future leader of our nation.”