Dorset politicians have given contrasting reactions after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he is stepping down.
Bournemouth East Labour MP Tom Hayes described Mr Starmer’s resignation speech as “dignified and honest” and said he was proud of what the government had achieved during its 2 years in office.
Mr Hayes said government investment was making a difference in Bournemouth East and that local Labour members were working to rebuild trust.
He added said there would be time to discuss what happens next, but added that Bournemouth’s future remained positive and local Labour work would continue.
Meanwhile Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland said changing the person leading the government would not be enough to improve the county’s financial position without a wider change in priorities and funding.
He said Dorset had been overlooked by successive Labour and Conservative governments, with the current funding formula leaving local residents to meet a higher share of council spending through council tax than in many other areas.
Councillor Ireland said Dorset faced pressures across adult social care, housing and local services, while some communities had low-paid and insecure jobs linked to tourism.
He said: “Whoever becomes Prime Minister, the question for Dorset is whether we finally get a fair deal.”
Portland Labour councillor Paul Kimber welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision and said he hoped Andy Burnham would become Labour’s next leader.
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