MP Tom Rutland calls for Keir Starmer to set timetable for departure
East Worthing & Shoreham MP Tom Rutland has called on the Prime Minister to ‘set out a timetable for his departure’ following last week’s local elections.
Pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer following the Labour Party’s performance in last week’s local elections nationally. Locally, the party lost control of Worthing Borough Council but retained Adur District Council.
In a statement, Mr Rutland said it was ‘with regret’ that he believed the Prime Minister should now set out a timetable for his departure and for a new Leader to be chosen to lead the Labour Party and the country.
Mr Rutland went on: “I watched brilliant councillors lose their seats last week through no fault of their own. Time and time again, speaking with voters at their doors, I heard little dislike for local councillors nor for the Labour Party, but the animosity towards the Prime Minister was clear from every voter who was choosing to vote for another party or considering doing so.
“It is clear to me that the Prime Minister has lost authority not just within the Parliamentary Labour Party but across the country and that he will not be able to regain it. That significantly impedes the ability of the Government to delivery the change that people voted for at the general election – change that we must deliver.
“It is not compatible to hold this view and continue to serve on the frontbench, so I have resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and will continue to represent my wonderful constituents in East Worthing and Shoreham from the backbenches.”
Leaders of the different political groups on Worthing Borough Council have begun discussions after last week’s election results meant no party had overall control.
No group or party gained a majority of councillors following the local elections, and the talks are now underway, facilitated by council officers. Read more here.