Current and former Labour MPs across the city have reacted to Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.
Hull is represented by three MPs, who were all elected under the Labour banner, although Karl Turner has since been suspended from the party. Emma Hardy (Labour – Hull West and Haltemprice) is a junior minister in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
She stated on social media on Monday that it was “another big day in British politics and although there’s change at the top my focus remains the same and that’s to be your representative and work hard for you. I’m proud of what your Labour government has already achieved,” she said, citing lifting nearly half a million children out of poverty, not joining the war with Iran and rapid reductions in NHS waiting lists.
She thanked Sir Keir for his leadership, adding: “He is a decent and caring family man and I wish him the very best for the future.
“There is much more to do to change our country and restore hope. That work continues and as always if you need my help please get in touch.”
Karl Turner (Hull East) was suspended from the Labour Party in March after giving an interview to a campaigner who had stood against a Labour MP at the General Election. He has also been an outspoken critic of the Starmer Government, particularly over intended reforms to significantly reduce the number of trials by jury, and believes his suspension was connected to this.
The Government has justified the move to help deal with the huge court backlog in this country, but Mr Turner, a criminal barrister by profession, has been adamantly opposed to it. Mr Turner referred to this issue in his statement on social media to Sir Keir’s resignation.
He accused Sir Keir of having “lost sight of the principles of fairness and justice” in letting these criminal justice reforms be pursued. “Keir Starmer built a sound reputation on the international stage and represented our country with dignity abroad. Regrettably, however, he was found wanting domestically and unable to win the support of the public.”
He also states that under Sir Keir’s leadership, “a culture developed within the Downing Street operation that was hostile towards those who disagreed with the Government’s policy direction”. He argues Sir Keir lost control of the Downing Street operation, and alleges, “bullying and discriminatory behaviour were allowed to take root.”
He described Sir Keir as “a committed public servant” but said he hoped he remained prime minister only as long as necessary for Labour MPs to decide which candidates to put forward to replace him. “We need a new leader who can restore decency, respect and unity within the Parliamentary Labour Party.”
Dame Diana Johnson (Hull North) is employment minister in the Department for Work and Pensions, and has not stated anything herself on Sir Keir’s departure. She did, though, re-share a tribute paid to him by former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown. She has seemed keen to associate herself with Mr Burnham.
She was in Mr Burnham’s Westminster selfie, which she has highlighted on social media. Additionally, in posting a congratulations to him on Friday, June 19, for winning in Makerfield, she highlighted a picture of Mr Burnham previously speaking in Parliament with her sat next to him.
By: Ivan Morris Poxton, LDRS
