South Tyneside Council chief calls for unity after Sir Keir Starmer voted new Labour leader

Sir Keir Starmer MP on a visit to the North East

The former top prosecutor, an MP since 2015, took the top job in the first round of voting, securing more than half of all ballots cast.

This result was welcomed by Iain Malcolm, the leader of South Tyneside Council, who had previously backed Starmer for the top job over rival contenders Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey.

“As someone who supported Keir from the start, I am delighted at Keir’s decisive victory in the leadership ballot,” said Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council.

“The South Shields Labour Party supported his nomination and we look forward to welcoming him to South Shields in the future.

“Now is the time for our Party to unite behind our new leadership and move the Party forward so that we once again articulate the aspirations of the people of this country.”