Ipswich MP 'deeply disappointed' as Starmer quits

Why it matters: Sir Keir announced his resignation on Monday, 22 June, saying he had "heard the answer" of his parliamentary party on whether he was best placed to lead Labour into the next general election — and accepted it "with good grace." Abbott, who represents Ipswich in Westminster, said the Prime Minister "should have had the chance to complete the job."

What they're saying: Abbott said he was "deeply disappointed" by the resignation, calling it "a gross understatement" to describe his feelings.

"The Prime Minister set us on a different path, stabilising the economy despite the international headwinds, cutting NHS waiting lists and investing in crucial infrastructure once again," Abbott said.

He argued that for places like Ipswich and Suffolk, Starmer had "laid the foundations" for local investment, citing Sizewell C jobs, Pride in Place funding, a new Community Diagnostic Centre, improved bus services and falling crime rates.

"That doesn't mean to say that our work is finished, far from it, but the Prime Minister should have had the chance to complete the job," he added.

Abbott also paid tribute to Starmer on a personal level, saying he "cannot begin to imagine the sacrifices that Sir Keir and his family have made" and that the outgoing leader "leaves a legacy for our Party and our country that will be felt for years to come."

The bigger picture: Starmer used his resignation speech to set out what he said the government had achieved in two years in office, including wages rising faster than inflation, the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years, and half a million children lifted out of poverty.

He said he would remain in post as Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen, with nominations opening on 9 July and a new leader in place before Parliament returns in September.

The other side: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for a general election at the "soonest possible date," describing Starmer as "the most incompetent prime minister" the UK has had. Green Party leader Zack Polanski said Starmer had "lost the confidence of the country" after failing to challenge the establishment's "power and wealth."

Patrick Spencer, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, said he did not agree with Starmer "on a single issue facing the country," citing disagreements on the economy, education, Brexit, net zero, farming, defence spending, the Chagos Islands, welfare reform, Lords reform, judicial reform, puberty blockers and ID cards. He added, however: "While I do not think he has been a good Prime Minister, I believe he deserves our respect and thanks for serving this country. Politics can be brutal, and the sacrifice paid not just by those in the arena, but by their families and loved ones is huge."

What's next: Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has confirmed he will put himself forward in the leadership contest. Polanski warned that Burnham "must be bold or he will be bust," suggesting his early indications pointed to "more of the same with better communication skills."

The bottom line: Ipswich's MP has backed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour prepares for a leadership contest it hopes will be resolved before Parliament returns in September.

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