4th April, 2020
Keir Starmer, a former director of public prosecutions emerged the new leader of Britain’s opposition Labour Party on Saturday.
Angela Rayner was named the new deputy leader, after polling 52.6% of the votes.
Starmer, the millionaire lawyer, who opposed the country’s exit from the European Union, was supported by 56.2% of party members and supporters.
He beat Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey, an ally of outgoing socialist leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Starmer in a pre-recorded statement said: “It’s the honour and privilege of my life to be elected as leader of the Labour Party.
“It comes at a moment like no other in our lifetime. Under my leadership we will engage constructively with the government, not opposition for opposition’s sake.
“Not scoring party political points or making impossible demands.
But with the courage to support where that’s the right thing to do.
“But we will test the arguments that are put forward.
“We will shine a torch on critical issues and where we see mistakes or faltering government or things not happening as quickly as they should, we’ll challenge that and call that out,”he said.
The leadership contest, under way since Corbyn led Labour to a crushing defeat in the December election, was overshadowed by the coronavirus outbreak.
Despite the pervading gloom, members of the party were excited by Starmer’s emergence as the new leader.
David Lammy, an MP representing Tottenham said: “I am absolutely joyous, excited and ecstatic about this result.
“The election of Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner is fantastic news in very difficult times.
“Now let’s come together to provide the opposition and leadership the country needs”.
Mike Galsworthy, founder of Founder of Scientists4EU tweeted:
“This is a mature, well-constructed acceptance speech by Keir Starmer”
“It adds to my growing confidence that he is absolutely the right person to lead the Labour Party from here”.
Read Other reactions:
Congratulations to @Keir_Starmer and @AngelaRayner on being elected in the leadership contests.
I look forward to working with them in the struggles for social and economic justice, against war and catastrophic climate change, and in holding this government to account.
— Diane Abbott MP (@HackneyAbbott) April 4, 2020
Warmest congratulations to @Keir_Starmer and @AngelaRayner. Millions are looking forward to you rebuilding @UKLabour and winning power to make a more equal, fair and secure country.
— Owen Smith (@OwenSmith_UK) April 4, 2020