Starmer backed in leadership contest
EAST Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury has backed Labour frontrunner Keir Starmer to be the party’s next leader.
Mr Amesbury, who retained his seat at the last General Election while many of his colleagues were engulfed in a Tory landslide, said Mr Starmer’s name had cropped up unprompted while he was chatting to parents at a junior football game and that the shadow Brexit minister had also impressed on the election campaing in Frodsham.
At time of writing Mr Starmer was way ahead of the pack in terms of nominations from other Labour MPs.
The race among membership is on course to be a closer call.
The result is due to be announced on April 4.
Other contenders inclue Rebecca LongBailey,
Lisa Nandy and Emily Thornberry.
Mr Amesbury said: “While I was a northern Labour MP that was re-elected, it was bitter sweet given the scale of our defeat, the worst since 1935.
“I promised that I with others would listen, learn and respond to the concerns raised by thousands of residents on the doorstep and those that have corresponded with me since.
“That process continues alongside the Labour Party Leader and Deputy Leadership contest, a process that will be concluded on April the 4th.
“After my surgery on Saturday where the fundamental flaws of Universal Credit and the modern day shame of homelessness were all too apparent I had the rare chance of watching my young son playing football for a local junior team. At half time other local parents and grandparents spoke to me about the election result, some had voted for me and others had not. The consensus amongst the banter was that the Labour Party needs to get its act together, be a credible opposition to rebuild trust in politics.
“An unprompted name in the mix was Keir Starmer.”
He added: “Keir is undoubtedly a very able politician of the left. I do remember him entering politics as a Labour MP after a very notable career as the most senior lawyer in the land.
“Since my election only two and half years ago I have seen him up close at the dispatch box and he is head and shoulders above our Conservative opponents in intellect and rigour.
“A serious politician that has walked the walk when it comes to fighting for justice in the highest courts in this land and beyond.
“During the difficult election campaign he travelled up to a number of Northern seats to lend a hand including mine. With just 48 hours notice we packed a local bar, Kash_22 in Frodsham with supporters and residents to listen to Keir doing a mobilisation speech then taking random questions after question about a whole array of subjects. He was impressive.
“Which takes me back to the horrors of the cases I face week in week out in my surgeries, cases that are a direct consequence of 10 years of a Tory Government now extended by another four to five years.
“Our supporters and potential voters want a bold and credible alternative government.
“I believe Keir can unite the Labour Party, build an effective organisation and win, win for Britain and create a fairer, greener society.”