Mark Drakeford, Welsh Labour Leader and First Minister of Wales has led the congratulations for Keir Starmer in Wales, following his election as the new leader of the UK Labour Party. He also congratulated Angela Rayner on her election as Deputy Leader.

Carolyn Harris, Welsh Labour Deputy Leader and Christina Rees, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales have joined the First Minister in welcoming the new UK Labour leadership team.

Mark Drakeford, Welsh Labour Leader and First Minister of Wales said:

“I send warm congratulations from Wales to Keir on his election as leader of the Labour Party.

 

Keir becomes leader at a critical time for our country. His leadership in Parliament will be crucial in the coming months as we respond to the Coronavirus outbreak and then as we seek to build the more equal and just society that must surely follow.

 

When this is over there can be no going back to business as usual. The crisis has shown it cannot be solved by market forces but by people coming together to act in the common cause. The people we are relying on to save our lives are not those who take home six-figure bonuses but are some of the least well-paid in the land.

 

The economy we create when coronavirus is over must deliver a fairer and more equal society, in which the rewards match the responsibilities we ask people to carry out.

 

I know that in Keir, we have a UK Labour leader who will continue to stand up for Wales’ interests and support the work of the Welsh Labour Government in delivering for the people of Wales.

 

I also extend the best wishes from everyone in Welsh Labour to Angela on her election as Deputy Leader. Her energy and compassion will be an asset to the party and I look forward to campaigning with her across Wales in the years ahead.

 

Now the election is over, our party must come together to face the challenges that all too clearly lay ahead of us. United and focused we will win the public’s trust and in time, their permission to govern across the UK.”

Carolyn Harris MP, Welsh Labour Deputy Leader, said:

“I have been proud to work next to Keir throughout this leadership campaign, and am thrilled at his election today as the new leader of the UK Labour Party.

 

Throughout this campaign, Keir has shown the dignity, tenacity, commitment and capability that our Party, and our country, need. This result is hard won but richly deserved, and the margin of the victory underscores the reach and appeal of Keir’s vision across the labour movement.

 

Keir himself has said that all our focus needs to remain on battling the Coronavirus pandemic, and he is right to do so. I know that under his leadership, Labour will engage meaningfully and constructively with the UK Government wherever possible, while rightly offering challenge where failings exist. And I know that he will continue to work closely with Mark Drakeford, Vaughan Gething and the Welsh Labour Government in their efforts to tackle the pandemic in communities across our country.

 

When we overcome the challenges of today – and overcome them we will – Labour will stand united, ready under Keir’s leadership to win back the trust of communities and return the Labour Government we so desperately need.”

Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Christina Rees MP said:

“I am delighted that Keir Starmer has been elected today as UK Labour’s new leader. A friend as well as a colleague, I was proud to nominate Keir, and to campaign with him as he took his positive message for our Party and the UK across Wales.

 

Wales and Welsh Labour has a firm supporter in Keir. I know from working alongside him in the Shadow Cabinet that he gets devolution, works closely with our Welsh Labour Government, and understands the importance of always respecting both.

 

Keir’s immediate focus, like all of ours, is on tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, and he will do this with both compassion, and with his trademark forensic attention to detail. I know that he will work with the UK Government where necessary, as well as scrutinising and challenging the decisions they take. I am sure he will also be closely engaged with Mark Drakeford and his Welsh Labour Government as we tackle the pandemic in Wales.”