Three former Labour General Secretaries have urged the party to focus on its plan to change the country rather than turning inwards to argue about Keir Starmer’s leadership
We share the deep disappointment felt across our movement following the national elections in Scotland and Wales and English local elections.
First in our thoughts are those who have lost their seats, the candidates who put themselves forward, and the thousands of members and activists who worked tirelessly on behalf of the Party.
We must recognise the scale of the challenges facing Britain. From war and global instability, where Keir has shown leadership, to the relentless pressure of the cost of living. These issues impact people’s lives every day.
At the same time, there are those who seek to exploit grievance and division, and those who offer easy answers to complex problems.
It is the responsibility of the Labour Party to meet these challenges head-on: to win the argument not just with policies, but with a compelling, credible vision for the country.
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There will be a range of responses to these results. We believe that the right course is to unite behind the leadership of Keir Starmer and listen to voters. When they speak, it is our duty not to explain them away, but to listen, to learn, and to respond.
We must not look inward, when we should be reaching outward.
In two years, the Labour Government passed 60 bills that will change places and lives for the better. In a week’s time, we will hear a King’s Speech that will set out the next steps that will change our country for good.
We know people are impatient for that change. So are we. And we must also be honest: we need to get better at telling our story.
Above all else we need to focus attention on our plan for the country. To do otherwise would only strengthen and embolden our opponents.
This is therefore a moment not for fragmentation, but for coming together.
David Evans, Iain McNicol and Ray Collins, are former General Secretaries of the Labour Party