Peterborough's MPs were split on if Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer should quit

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

North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling, who was 22 years old when he was elected as Labour MP in July 2024 and was the youngest MP in the House of Commons, was one of more than 80 MPs who last month called on Sir Keir to stand down.

The call came after Labour’s poor showing in the local elections.

At the time Mr Carling said: “Under the Prime Minister’s leadership we have made significant strides in a number of these areas and others.

"I am proud of what we have delivered.

“But it is clear that we are not going far enough in our ambition and delivery, and nor are we communicating our successes effectively.

"Change is needed, and I have come to the conclusion that Sir Keir Starmer is not the right person to lead that change.

”As a result, I join Labour colleagues from across the United Kingdom in urging the Prime Minister to step down for the sake of our movement and the people we serve.

"We have made so much progress, but if we remain on our current course, it will not last.”

In contrast, when Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes was asked if he backed Keir Starmer, he simply replied ‘yes.’

Announcing his decision to quit, Sir Keir also said that he would remain as prime minister until a leadership contest is complete.

Labour’s governing body, the National Executive Committee, will be asked to draw up a timetable to chose 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.