I’m really proud to be backed by these mayors, who are delivering day in, day out for the people they represent. As Deputy Leader, I’d speak up for every Labour member, nation & region from my seat at Cabinet. labourlist.org/2025/09/child…

I’ve had a wonderful experience in my role as Minister of State delivering on fixing local government, driving devolution in England, and working for a boss like @AngelaRayner has been genuinely empowering and fulfilling, I’ll never forget the trust and confidence she placed in me. Now it’s time for a fresh start. Working people have been exploited and their efforts abused for too long. Quiet compliance and being asked to work to the grind and play by the rules without getting on in life has run its course. That is obvious. The Labour government must recognise that all politics is family and community. For over a decade working people and their communities have been hammered and patience for change has run out. It’s a hard inheritance but the reality. If people don’t urgently feel the benefit in better living standards; safer, cleaner and decent neighbourhoods then it’s for nothing. I wish everyone in @mhclg and wider local government the best for the future, you are all amazing and the country is lucky to have you.