Peterborough’s MP has thanked Sir Keir Starmer for doing the ‘hard yards’ as prime minister and has urged MPs to back Andy Burnham to take over.

Andrew Pakes declared his praise for Sir Keir shortly after the prime minister had announced from Downing Street that he is to quit after just short of two years as the country’s leader.

The announcement followed months of increasing pressure on Sir Keir to stand down as many MPs grew restless about issues such as poor communication and apparent indecision.

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes, commenting on X, stated today: “An incredible career of public service and dedication to the country and in turn the Labour Party.

Sir Keir Starmer, who has just announced his resignation as prime minister, and inset, Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes

placeholder image — Sir Keir Starmer, who has just announced his resignation as prime minister, and inset, Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes

"Change takes work and Keir Starmer has done his share of the hard yards.

"Thank you Prime Minister.”

Mr Pakes later said: “Leadership is about stepping up but also knowing when to pass power on.

"I will always be grateful to the Prime Minister for how he brought the Labour Party back into the mainstream and started to change our country for the better.

"Now is the time to put country first.

“The focus is improving living standards, rebuilding our economy and preparing our country for the challenges ahead. As a Co-op MP I welcome the prospect of a Prime Minister committed to mutualism and cooperation.

And he added “I hope colleagues in the Labour movement will get behind Andy Burnham and make this a transition that delivers for the national interest.”

Sir Keir announced from Downing Street on Monday, June 22 that he was quitting as Labour Party leader, which will trigger a contest to chose a new prime minister.

Labour’s governing body, the National Executive Committee, will be asked to draw up a timetable to choose a replacement, with nominations opening on July 9 and ending by the summer recess on July 16.

Sir Keir said he would do everything he can to ensure an "orderly" transition of power.

He was elected leader of the Labour Party in April 2020 and became prime minister on July 5, 2024.

The decision to step down means the UK will have its seventh prime minister since 2016.

It is reported that many MPs are supporting the newly elected MP and former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who won the Makerfield by-election on June 18, as the choice for the new Labour Party leader and prime minister.