The Labour Party needs a forward-looking team of winners – that is why I am backing Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner.
We have been out of power now for a decade, and haven’t won an election since 2005, the Labour Party needs to look forward and not back to win again. That is why I am backing Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner for Leader and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.
We don’t need faction and difference to divide us, we need to work together, as one party, and Keir and Angela bring that. Both first elected in 2015 they represent a break with the past, but both are grounded in the Labour movement and the struggle for justice for everyone.
Keir has a history of fighting for the worst off, the most in need, as a lawyer and then Director of Public Prosecutions he constantly stood up against ingrained or institutional power to protect people. Keir defended print workers at Wapping, gave free legal advice to the victims of police brutality in the poll tax protests and helped prevent the ecological disaster of dumping the Brent Spar Oil Rig in the deep ocean. He understands the challenges that not just we as the Labour Party face, but also the challenges our country faces, and he has the ability and vision to deliver for everyone.
Angela is an inspiring Labour woman and trade unionist, she is without doubt one of the most tenacious campaigners in Parliament today and inspires our party and movement and terrifies the Tory Party. Her own story is one of overcoming the worst of Tory Government and making success with the tools she was given by a Labour Government. As a trade union organiser and as someone who can connect with people, she has ambition for this party and for the country, and she will never abandon them. She will be the support our next leader needs, a trusted ally and partner for taking Labour forward and making us the next government.
We have to have ambition and vision for the future and both Keir and Angela have that, but more than that they don’t shy away from showing it and from bringing others with them. Since 2015 both have served the Party as shadow ministers unafraid to take the fight to the Tories and willing to defend the Labour Party. Together they represent the strongest team for the future, balanced and capable, with a willingness to work together and a commitment to never give up.
