Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher has welcomed Andy Burnham’s decisive by-election victory in North West England and expressed his support for Burnham’s campaign to lead the Labour Party following the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Prime Minister Starmer announced his resignation in a televised statement on Monday after facing growing pressure from within the Parliamentary Labour Party. In his statement outside Downing Street, Mr Starmer said he had sought to create a fairer Britain but accepted that colleagues no longer believed he was the best person to lead the party into the next general election.
Following Andy Burnham’s by-election success, Dr Opher praised the result as a significant moment for progressive politics.
“Andy Burnham’s win is good for the country,” said Dr Opher. “It clearly demonstrates the appeal of progressive politics and the power of articulating a vision that offers people hope.”
Dr Opher said the result presents an opportunity to improve living standards, rebuild public services, strengthen democratic institutions, invest in communities and create a fairer and more secure society.
“We now have the chance to sustainably improve living standards, rebuild our public services, revitalise our democracy, invest in our communities and make our country a fairer and more secure place to live,” he said.
“We need affordable housing, an education system that works for all, and a health and care system that supports those who need it. The economy should work for everyone.”
Dr Opher acknowledged the challenges faced by Labour leaders seeking transformational change but said Burnham’s campaign had offered a compelling vision for the future.
“Every Labour leader faces entrenched interests that argue a fairer society cannot be achieved. Andy would be no different. But I believe we have seen a glimpse of the future. Working together, we can build a better society.”
“The Prime Minister has always been guided by a strong sense of public service and duty. He put his country first during a period of turmoil and uncertainty, and we are better placed today to tackle the challenges we face as a result.
“Nevertheless, now is the time to move ahead, truly delivering on the manifesto commitment to change, and at pace.
“We will only be able to do this by being inclusive and open to debate. There is room in the Party for all shades of left opinion and we are stronger when we embrace that. That is possibly the most important lesson we can learn from the last couple of years and will allow us to deliver the transformational politics the country needs.
“I believe we need to look at how we connect with voters and begin to restore trust in politics. The challenges we face – from the cost of living to climate change – need everyone to engage, and to have confidence that their voices are heard and their votes are meaningful. Bills need to come down and natural monopolies (water, transport and so on) need to be run for the benefit of all of us rather than foreign shareholders. Housing, health and social care, education, our high streets and national security are all in desperate need of a fresh approach.
“Over the last two years the Labour government has made a start on all these things. We now have the opportunity to go further, faster. Keir deserves our thanks and appreciation. I wish him and his family the very best.”
The Labour Party’s National Executive Committee is expected to begin the leadership election process in July, with a new leader expected to be chosen before Parliament returns after the summer recess.
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