Bedford and Kempston MP, Mohammad Yasin (Labour), has expressed his frustration at the leadership crisis surrounding the Prime Minister, saying it is “drowning out” the progress the party has made locally.
Sir Kier Starmer is under pressure to resign, following last week’s local election results.
Although no elections took place in Bedford Borough, much of the rest of the UK took to the polls, with Labour losing 1,496 councillors and the control of 38 councils.
Despite three cabinet resignations today (Tuesday), the PM has vowed to remain in his role, saying he will not leave without a leadership challenge.
According to The Guardian, more than 80 MPs have called on the PM to call it quits, although Mr Yasin is not among this number.
The PM’s battle to survive has dominated the national news since last Thursday’s elections.
Speaking exclusively to the Bedford Independent, Mr Yasin said: “The country sent a clear message last week that people are unhappy with the direction the government is going in, and that must be taken seriously.”
“My focus remains on what I was elected to do: improving the lives of the people of Bedford and Kempston and it is frustrating that the progress we are delivering is being drowned out by Westminster politics.”
He cited improvements to GP services, the opening of the new Community Diagnostic Centre, Family Hub, Same Day Emergency Care unit, Mental Health Crisis House, alongside upgrades to workers’ rights and free breakfast clubs.
“[We have ended] the two-child benefit cap, bringing railways back into public ownership, stronger renters’ rights, and record investment for Bedfordshire, including £175 million for policing,” he said.
“Changing leaders at a time of global instability, soaring prices, the situation in Iran, and the ongoing war in Ukraine carries real risks, so I hope that as the Government sets out its new legislative agenda tomorrow, whatever happens next is handled with care, stability, and a clear and positive vision for the country.”
