THE INTERIM Leader of Welsh Labour says the party owes it to Keir Starmer to show unity during the transition to a new Prime Minister.
Ken Skates, MS for Fflint Wrecsam and the interim Leader of the Labour Party in Wales said Starmer – who today announced he would stand down as Prime Minister – has delivered a number of important policies to improve people’s lives during a difficult period.
Mr Skates – who became interim leader after the recent Senedd elections where former Labour First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan lost her seat – urged the party not to allow the process of choosing his replacement this summer to have a negative impact on his legacy.
“Keir brought our party back from oblivion and delivered one of the greatest victories the Labour Party has seen,” he said.
“Under his leadership we’ve seen an increase to the minimum wage, a boost to the state pension and stronger employment rights. We also received a record devolution settlement and generational plans for £14bn for rail in Wales.
“He has led the country through exceptionally tough times with dignity and authenticity, and I want to put on record my deepest thanks to him.
“We now owe it to Keir, and the country to come together and ensure that Labour continues delivering for people right across Wales, and the UK.”
In his resignation speech Keir Starmer said of arriving in Downing Street: “Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life.
“A new Labour government. The first in 14 years. A page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair.
“The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better. That’s what I came into politics for.
“Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.”
Andrew Ranger, MP for Wrexham paid tribute to the Prime Minister.
“Sir Keir Starmer is a man of genuine integrity and principle who put his country before himself,” he said.
“His record in government deserves to be acknowledged. The Employment Rights Act has already begun to transform the lives of working people in Wrexham and across Britain. The removal of the two-child limit has lifted a cruel and arbitrary burden from families simply trying to get by.
“The nationalisation of our railways has restored the principle that vital public infrastructure should serve passengers, not shareholders. Through Pride in Place funding and the Investment Zone here in Wrexham, his government has shown that left-behind communities matter.
“His courage in keeping Britain out of the Iran conflict, at a moment of enormous international pressure, was the mark of a serious and steady statesman. He led Labour back to government after 14 years in opposition, and that should never be forgotten.
“But great leadership is also about knowing when to pass the torch. In choosing to do so now, Keir has shown some of his finest judgement of all.
“What matters now is that this Government moves forward with purpose and energy. The new Prime Minister must focus on delivering for the people who voted for change in 2024, on living standards, on public services, on the communities across Wales and Britain that are still waiting to feel that change in their daily lives.
“The work of governing must continue and it must accelerate.
“I am grateful to Sir Keir Starmer. History will treat him more kindly than this moment allows.”
In his resignation speech the Prime Minister laid out the timetable for his departure.
“I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening on July 9 and completed by the summer recess,” he said.
“In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.
“I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete. And I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.
“I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead, and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office.”
