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He has done it! The toolmakers son has resigned!

(519 Posts)
Sago Mon 22-Jun-26 09:34:10

Feelings?

Could Mr Burnham restore Labour?

Grandmaofone Mon 22-Jun-26 14:36:16

Wyllow3

I have been emailed by Keir Starmer as a Labour Party member and I am copying it here to you. some of it you can whizz past, but do read the last bit please about this through decent man

and it gives you a timetable of the process which might be helpful Highlighted.

"Walking up Downing 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.

The journey to that point was not easy. Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially, and morally bankrupt. I was told time and time again that my party was finished, that we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election - let alone a landslide majority - was impossible.

But we proved those people wrong because we changed our party, ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence, and national security, and becoming a party that once again stood proudly with, not against, our national flag.

The hard work of change was with a singular purpose: not power for power’s sake, but to change Britain for the better. To build a fairer country, with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen and everyone is valued. Wealth and opportunity for all, not just the privileged few.

And look at what we’ve achieved in just two years: an economy that is stronger, growing faster than our peers; wages rising faster than inflation in every single month since we came to power; investment secured; infrastructure being built; an end to austerity; with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years; the biggest improvement in rights for workers and renters in a generation; the biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War; small boat crossings falling; asylum hotels closing; protecting young people from social media; and half a million children being lifted out of poverty because of the choices that I made.

Our reputation in the world restored, with Britain once again standing up for decency, respect, and the rule of law. Securing trade deals, standing with Ukraine, standing up for our values, and rebuilding our relationship with our allies in Europe.

Change promised by a Labour Government. Change fought for by a Labour Government. Change delivered by a Labour Government.

But I know the question being asked now is not who was best placed to change the Labour Party to take us into power and to begin the vital work of improving lives for millions of people. Those questions have been answered.

The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.

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. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.

I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable, with nominations opening on 9 July and completed by the summer recess. 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

I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six years for their incredible commitment, service, and support. I want to thank the brilliant Number 10 staff, and our country’s extraordinary Civil Service, who dedicate their lives to public service.

And when I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job: being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy

Thank you very much.

Keir

Keir Starmer

this is just rhetoric, backwards looking rhetoric
at that,
by a failed PM who has been ‘let go’

thank you for providing this retrospective
manifesto, most thoughtful

Casdon Mon 22-Jun-26 14:32:11

foxie48

I think the right wing media played quite a large part and no doubt AB will receive the same treatment. Iam64 The voters seem to prefer style over substance, Keir lacked charisma and is probably too bureaucratic to get things done quickly. However he's been painted as incompetent and IMO that is a very harsh criticism. I also think that Reeves as Chancellor was a poor decision but he's certainly not the worst PM we've ever had but the media has done him no favours. I'm still astounded that the likes of Nathan Gill and Farage's £5million have attracted so little mention in the press!

I think the big difference will be that Burnham is very media savvy, he’s adept at getting his messages over. Interesting times.

ronib Mon 22-Jun-26 14:29:12

Well obviously the late Queen knew how to advise her pms?

Calendargirl Mon 22-Jun-26 14:27:09

The late Queen had 15 Prime Ministers throughout her 70 year reign.

King Charles will soon see his 4th, in just under four years.

Average of 1 a year so far then.

hmm

nanna8 Mon 22-Jun-26 14:24:12

I think Starmer played a part. He was hopeless. Like Theresa May.

foxie48 Mon 22-Jun-26 14:21:10

I think the right wing media played quite a large part and no doubt AB will receive the same treatment. Iam64 The voters seem to prefer style over substance, Keir lacked charisma and is probably too bureaucratic to get things done quickly. However he's been painted as incompetent and IMO that is a very harsh criticism. I also think that Reeves as Chancellor was a poor decision but he's certainly not the worst PM we've ever had but the media has done him no favours. I'm still astounded that the likes of Nathan Gill and Farage's £5million have attracted so little mention in the press!

DaisyAnneReturns Mon 22-Jun-26 14:12:03

Is this the point at which the thread descends into spiteful gossip?

Thus may be a useful distraction www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5KwecmLl8g (A Different Bias)

It interesting to see Phil Moorhouse's argument for there being no opposition to Andy Burnham.

NotSpaghetti Mon 22-Jun-26 13:34:56

Apologies Grannygravy if you don't feel like that. I read your comments as agreeing with Sunshinegirls.

Iam64 Mon 22-Jun-26 13:33:40

Starmer is far from the worst pm we’ve had. His speech today was a reflection of him, a decent, thoughtful man of integrity. I’m sad to see him forced to resign but it was inevitable.
I don’t understand the level of anger and vitriol directed at Starmer. Yes our right wing media played its part, yes Starmer’s comms and some decisions were very poor.

Of course Andy Burnham will be treated with the same disdain. The northern jokes are everywhere, the north as a foreign slightly weird other country. He’s well known here, as a good mp, mayor and campaigner. Hillsborough one of his achievements

Samwam Mon 22-Jun-26 13:33:25

There are donors big businesses that have a say how government governs, what it want them to do, and aso the Isreal lobby. There was a lot of trickery with the 'Labour Together' team to get Starmer PM. McSweeny, Mandelson.

Glad he's gone, will AB do any better with the economy and foreign policy.

There is more privatisation in our NHS hundreds dying in corridors MPs say nothing about this. Get Plantir out.

He was involved in Iran war as he allowed Trump to use our air bases to bomb Iran.

Really need to get big money out of politics.

Oreo Mon 22-Jun-26 13:27:45

Starmer was too loyal to get rid of Reeves, part of his downfall.
A pleasant man but not PM material, no passion or vision whatsoever.
Hopefully AB will be better, he has three years to prove it.
KS gave the usual dignified parting resignation that most PM’s give I’ll give him that.
Marred by the idiot Steve Bray ( aptly named) and I don’t understand why the police didn’t move him on as he’s a public nuisance.

Iam64 Mon 22-Jun-26 13:27:38

Some comments on this thread are both pathetic and rude - imo..
Pudding faced shrew is particularly offensive and says much more about its author than Rachel Reeves. Criticise her work as chancellor by all means but misogyny unnecessary

GrannyGravy13 Mon 22-Jun-26 13:27:01

Please can posters read my post of 12.38.20

Then maybe apologise for twisting /misinterpreting what I wrote.

Ziplok Mon 22-Jun-26 13:26:07

I often wonder what the parents occupations of posters who make derogatory headlines about the occupations of the parents of people in the public eye were?
Such comments say more about the poster than the person they are trying to belittle.

CatsWhiskas Mon 22-Jun-26 13:24:36

Cossy

CatsWhiskas and friendlygingercat

Will you just stop, I’ve almost spat out my drink twice now

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Sorry! blush

Cossy Mon 22-Jun-26 13:22:56

Maremia

Where is the evidence that Starmer was the most despised PM?

Allegedly the BBC, one of his greatest supporters ever! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Cossy Mon 22-Jun-26 13:22:16

CatsWhiskas and friendlygingercat

Will you just stop, I’ve almost spat out my drink twice now

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Maremia Mon 22-Jun-26 13:22:05

Where is the evidence that Starmer was the most despised PM?

greyfur Mon 22-Jun-26 13:21:01

that pudding faced shrew

Lovely.

GrannyGravy13 Mon 22-Jun-26 13:21:00

NotSpaghetti

*Sunsginegirl*, Grannygravy and others who think Starmer's the most despised PM in history.
As being "despised" is quire a recent thing I feel I think we are only looking at modern history...

If that's the case, surely Margaret Thatcher is the definitive answer.
No other PM generated—and continues to generate—such a visceral split in British society.
🤷‍♀️

I do not think Keir Starmer is the most despised PM in history.

I posted that according to the BBC at lunchtime he is the most unpopular PM in history.

Big difference, especially as I did not endorse the BBC’s view on this thread or any other.

nanna8 Mon 22-Jun-26 13:20:27

friendlygingercat

The bet thing Starmer did was to stand up to Trump and keep us out of the Iran war. He also passed the Renters Rights Bill and the Employment Rights Bills, among others. Its not his fault that the Assisted Dyin Bill got talked out of the Lords. Unfortunately he had an incompetent chancellor with a bunch of crazy policies and has taken the fall for some of her poor decisions. I will not be sorry to see the back of that pudding faced shrew.

Pudding faced shrew 😀😀😀😀😀 Love it! She wouldn’t, though. I used to think she was on with Keir - couldn’t understand why he kept her really. Things might have been a whole lot different if he hadn’t.

Cossy Mon 22-Jun-26 13:18:54

friendlygingercat

The bet thing Starmer did was to stand up to Trump and keep us out of the Iran war. He also passed the Renters Rights Bill and the Employment Rights Bills, among others. Its not his fault that the Assisted Dyin Bill got talked out of the Lords. Unfortunately he had an incompetent chancellor with a bunch of crazy policies and has taken the fall for some of her poor decisions. I will not be sorry to see the back of that pudding faced shrew.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Nor will I, there was just something about her I really disliked and as it turned out, in my opinion, she was out of her depth big time.

CatsWhiskas Mon 22-Jun-26 13:18:18

friendlygingercat

The bet thing Starmer did was to stand up to Trump and keep us out of the Iran war. He also passed the Renters Rights Bill and the Employment Rights Bills, among others. Its not his fault that the Assisted Dyin Bill got talked out of the Lords. Unfortunately he had an incompetent chancellor with a bunch of crazy policies and has taken the fall for some of her poor decisions. I will not be sorry to see the back of that pudding faced shrew.

Pudding faced shrew? I don't suppose you would care to post a photo of yourself, so that we can all think of some name for you.

Mollygo Mon 22-Jun-26 13:17:34

eazybee
Starmer has been forced out
You could argue that - forced out as a result of the pile on by the media and his own MPs.
On the other hand he was allowed to speak in his defence rather than simply caused to disappear.

CatsWhiskas Mon 22-Jun-26 13:16:57

Attlee was one of the most influential UK Prime Ministers of the 20th century. It didn't stop Churchill saying of him "He is a modest man with much to be modest about."