Statement on the Prime Minister’s resignation

Today the Prime Minister has made an incredibly difficult decision, but ultimately I think it's the right decision. He has chosen to put the country first. The recent local election results, combined with the results in Scotland and Wales made clear that the public no longer had trust in Keir as the person to deliver the change we so desperately need. The question people in Gloucester will be asking now is who is the best person to deliver the change they want to see?

At the next general election the choice here in Gloucester, just as in many places across the country, will be Labour or Reform. Whoever takes on the role of Prime Minister next they need to set out a bold and hopeful vision that gives us something to fight for against Reform's attempts to divide us. I believe that that person is Andy Burnham.

Last week Andy proved that Labour can win when we listen, when we offer hope and when we offer a real alternative. Our politics and our people are crying out for a positive and hopeful vision for our country. I am tired of hearing people who claim to be patriots talking down the things that make this country special. We are diverse. We are different. We each have aspirations for ourselves and our families. It's the government's job to help us all make those aspirations a reality.

The task ahead is huge, but I believe that Andy has the drive and the bold vision to succeed and I am backing him to deliver the change the country needs.