Leigh and Atherton MP, Jo Platt, calls on Starmer to resign

Jo Platt, of Leigh and Atherton, has made a public statement asking the prime minister to announce a ‘clear and measured timetable for his resignation’.

The MP said that her call for resignation came from conversations with her constituents, who are ‘losing faith’ in labour and ‘demanding change’.

MP Platt then stated that the National Executive Committee should allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to stand for the position of Labour leader.

(Image: UK Parliament)

MP Platt said: “Last week’s local lection results sent a clear message. In Leigh and Atherton, and in communities across the country, voters are losing faith in our party and demanding change.

“Keir Starmer is an honourable man who las led with integrity and professionalism. I believe he entered politics for the right reasons – drive by despite to improve the lives of working people. I also recognise the difficult inheritance this government faced, and the important achievements it has delivered in office.

“But the reality is that progress is nit being felt quickly enough by the people we were elected to serve, and Labour heartlands are now collapsing in front of us.

“The message from the constituents is clear and consistent: they want change, including new leadership. As the MP for this constituency, it is my duty to be honest about what I am hearing from residents on the doorstep.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham (Image: Newsquest)

“As a movement we cannot progress under this leadership. That is why I am calling on the prime minister to announce a clear and measured timetable for his resignation, with an orderly transition of leadership to take place by September. This must not be a moment of chaos, but a moment of honesty, renewal, and democratic accountability.

“I also believe the National Executive Committee should allow Andy Burnham to stand, so that members and supporters can have a genuine choice about the future direction of the Labour Party.

“This is not a call made lightly. But leadership means listening, even when the message is difficult to hear. The country wants change and hope, and our party must now show that it is capable of delivering it.”

Last week’s local elections saw Reform take nine council seats in Bolton, with Labour only winning two seats out of the 20 contested.

Several high-profile labour councillors lost their seats, including former council leader Nick Peel.

Labout lost 1,460 council seats throughout the country, in areas such as Birmingham, Redditch, Hartlepool, Tameside, Hyndburn, and Cannock Chase.

In Wigan, the results were even more stark, with Reform winning 24 of the available 25 seats