Labour in government matters because it puts power in the service of working people. It means decisions being made every day to build a stronger, fairer Britain.
Most importantly of all, it means Labour values being able to change lives for the better: NHS patients being seen quicker, people having more security and dignity at work, and children being lifted out of poverty.
That is why, today, I want to pay tribute to the scale of Keir Starmer’s achievement. Without him, that change would not be underway.
When Keir became leader, Labour had suffered one of the worst election defeats in our history. Trust had been lost, our path back to government looked steep, and few believed a Labour majority was within reach.
Through his leadership, Labour rebuilt. We changed our party, won back the confidence of the British people, and secured a landslide victory. In government, we have begun the work of delivering the change our country desperately needed.
Keir’s leadership has made the Labour Party stronger than the party he inherited. Today, we thank him for his service, his determination and everything he has done for our movement.
Labour remains in government and focused on delivering for working people — committed to our mission of building a stronger, fairer Britain.
The leadership of our party will change. Our values, our purpose and our responsibility to the country will not.
Membership of our party will always matter. And our fight against Nigel Farage’s Reform, in Greater Manchester and beyond, is one that we can only win together.
When Labour wins, it is always because the strength of our movement comes together to make it happen.
In the weeks and months ahead, we will continue the hard work together.
Thank you,
Hollie Ridley
General Secretary of the Labour Party