Keir Starmer – the former shadow Brexit Secretary – was today elected as the new leader of the UK Labour Party. Angela Rayner – the former Shadow Secretary of State for Education – was elected as the new deputy leader.
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“The congratulations of the whole progressive family go out to Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner on their election as leader and deputy leader. We look forward to working with them over the coming months and years.
“As shadow Brexit Secretary, Keir has worked closely with the PES and I know that he will be a strong leader for the Labour Party. He takes over at a testing time for the UK. Now more than ever, leading the opposition comes with many heavy responsibilities. I know Keir will play an invaluable part in guiding the UK through the challenges it faces, including COVID-19 and negotiating the country’s departure from the EU.
“Keir is a true progressive who understands the value of European cooperation. He can count on the support of the European progressive political family as he works to put fairness back at the centre of society.”
Sergei Stanishev added:
“I would also like to pay tribute to Jeremy Corbyn for his time as leader of the Labour Party. He has always been a strong ally of the PES and he has made a value contribution to our party over the last five years. His message of hope inspired millions of people who felt unrepresented in politics. I wish him every success for the future, and I hope he will keep contributing to British political life.”