'Without Keir, Labour would not be in power'

ALLIES of Sir Keir Starmer have paid tribute to him on the day he announced his resignation.

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Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney MP Nick Smith and his wife, Jenny Chapman, were both Starmer loyalists. Mr Smith wrote that he was “saddened”

“Keir is a good man who I believe had the character and integrity to lead Labour. Political leadership is rarely easy, however, and electoral headwinds have ultimately led to his resignation. I believe history will judge his time as Prime Minister well,” he said.

Welsh secretary Jo Stevens said she had known Sir Keir before they were elected in 2015 and that he was a “man of dignity, duty, and commitment to our country and our party”:

She praised his domestic agenda and his leadership on the world stage.

“Ithas been an honour to serve him as Secretary of State for Wales,’ she said.

“ Keir has ensured an enduring legacy through his support to end Tory austerity in Wales, the biggest financial settlement for Welsh Government in the history of devolution, securing the future of Welsh steelmaking, new nuclear at Wylfa, a generational commitment to making our Welsh railways fit for the future, and positioning Wales as a leader in green energy.

“Ihope that the great work of this Labour Government, in Wales and across the UK, can continue with a united Parliamentary Labour Party, determined to sustain our values of fairness and opportunity for all”