CONSERVATIVE Central Devon MP and Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride has criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership following news of the Prime Minister’s resignation.

Sir Keir announced his intention to step down at an emotional press conference outside Number 10 after mounting pressure for him to go.

Addressing the nation on Monday, June 22, he said six years ago he inherited a Labour Party that was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt” and that the party should be proud of what it had achieved in the two years since winning the election.

All eyes are now on Andy Burnham, the former Labour mayor of Greater Manchester and the favourite to succeed Sir Keir, who returned to Parliament as the new MP for Makerfield after winning a recent by-election.

Central Devon MP Sir Mel Stride argued that “the problem isn’t just Starmer.”

He said: "Workers are worse off, taxes are higher, and Britain is weaker. That is Keir Starmer's legacy.

“Labour has squeezed the very people who get up early, work hard and play by the rules, yet the benefits bill keeps growing and our national security keeps slipping down the priority list.

“Andy Burnham offers no real change - just the same Labour playbook of tax, borrow and spend.

“The problem isn't just Starmer. It's a Labour Party that keeps asking working people to pay more while getting less in return.

“Britain can't afford another three years of it."

Nominations for the position of PM have to be in by July 9 and a decision is expected before Parliament’s summer recess a week later. The new leader will be in post when Parliament returns in September.

Sir Mel Stride has been the Conservative MP for Central Devon since 2010 and Shadow Chancellor since 2024.