City MP welcomes new Prime Minister's experience of tackling issues faced by Peterborough people

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said the issues tackled by new PM Andy Burnham in his former job as Greater Manchester mayor are the same as those faced by residents in Peterborough.

He said: “The challenges Andy faced in Manchester, on public transport, the cost of living, investing in jobs, and creating opportunities for young people, are the same challenges we face in Peterborough.

"I am hopeful that this experience will help make a difference in Peterborough.”

His comments came as Mr Burnham walked into 10 Downing Street today (July 20) to replace Sir Kier Starmer as Prime Minister after months of political infighting.

Mr Pakes said: “With Andy Burnham taking office as Prime Minister, the government now has an opportunity to put the priorities of ordinary people back at the heart of government.

"That means focusing on the issues that affect people's everyday lives: creating good jobs, bringing down household costs and strengthening our public services.

“The new Prime Minister brings tremendous experience from working at the highest levels of government as well as running one of Britain’s largest cities.

He added: “As a co-operative MP, I am delighted to welcome our first Labour & Co-operative Prime Minister.

"I want more power handed to our community whether that is devolution to the Mayor, extra support for the council or greater use of co-operatives to put people directly in charge.

I am really pleased that the new Prime Minister will confront the failed privatisation of major services and look to bring water back under greater public control and to get Britain building council houses again.

“Here in Peterborough, I'll continue making the case for investment and regeneration, building on projects such as Station Quarter, and working with the new government to secure better jobs, improved transport, stronger skills, and the investment our city deserves.”

Sam Carling, the North West Cambridgeshire MP, who was one of more than 80 MPs who in May called on Sir Keir to resign,.said: “A new Prime Minister naturally brings a fresh set of priorities, and I'm looking forward to continuing our work as a Labour Government to deliver them in communities like ours.

"Andy Burnham has set out an ambitious programme to make everyday life more affordable, help more people onto the housing ladder, expand mental health support for young people, and bring down the level of rough sleeping nationally.

He added: “Combined with a renewed focus on backing British industry and investing in the infrastructure our economy depends on, there's a real opportunity to strengthen communities across the country.

"My focus will be on making sure Peterborough and Huntingdonshire are part of that story from day one."

Labour Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council said: "I am delighted at seeing Andy Burnham as the new Prime Minister.

"I would like to thank Sir Keir Starmer for his service to our country and to us all and he held his head high with integrity until the end.

"That is what we represent in the Labour Party.

"Andy has had a long legacy in previous governments.

"He proves himself as a man of the people and is relatable.

Cllr Qayyum added: “The reason for the previous Prime Minister's departure is because the public had made their views known and he put the country first.

"This is the change that people asked for and a new Prime Minister has been appointed.

"I have full confidence that Andy will deliver on the manifesto of the Labour Party promised to the people and I am excited about the future.

"Whilst politics has been dominated by the atmosphere of Reform and the Greens dividing communities for the sake of electoral gain, Andy as the New Prime Minister and Labour across the board are a real unifying force for good and I am proud to play a part in that story."