The leader of the Labour Party on Somerset Council has called on the government to ramp up support and properly fund local services in the wake of Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as prime minister.
Sir Keir Starmer announced outside 10 Downing Street on Monday morning, June 22, that he would step down after serving nearly two years as prime minister, paving the way for his successor ahead of the party conference in September.
Andy Burnham, the recently elected MP for Makerfield and former mayor of Greater Manchester, is the frontrunner to replace Starmer.
READ MORE: Lightning Strikes and Tornado Risk Prompt Met Office Yellow Alert
READ MORE: Bath Rugby Announce Coaching Change as Johann van Graan Pursues Winning Edge
In response, Councillor Leigh Redman, leader of the Labour opposition on Somerset Council, emphasized the need for the government to “reset our national priorities” by investing adequately in public services and local government.
Redman, who stood as the Labour candidate for Bridgwater in the last general election finishing second to Conservative Sir Ashley Fox, remarked, “Before looking ahead, it’s right to acknowledge our outgoing prime minister and thank him for the work he has done. Public service at that level is demanding, and whatever our political differences, the commitment and effort required deserve recognition. But moments of transition are also moments of choice, and this is a chance to reset our national priorities.”
Highlighting the growing pressure on special needs education, Redman called for immediate, concrete action on failing public services: “Real leadership now means moving past the Westminster bubble and funding the essential building blocks of everyday life.”
He advocated for moving away from short-term financial emergency measures towards sustainable, long-term recovery for Somerset. “We need a government that will step up and properly fund critical front-line services our families rely on — from addressing EHCP delays and providing robust SEND support for children, to protecting vital local emergency and fire services.”
As chair of the council’s children and education scrutiny committee, Redman has often criticized Liberal Democrat policies at County Hall. He has also campaigned for significant changes to the Celebration Mile in Bridgwater town centre, backed by the local town deal funding.
Looking ahead, Redman hopes the new prime minister will devolve more powers to local councils to enable regeneration projects like the £20 million Pride in Place fund to progress democratically and effectively.
“Major regeneration projects such as redeveloping Bridgwater’s old hospital into a centre of excellence shouldn’t be hindered by rigid national bureaucracy or fragmented supply chains,” he said.
“We need an economic environment where local councils are trusted with direct control, where independent traders and community-owned hubs can thrive, and where decisions about our high streets are driven by local knowledge rather than top-down dictates.”
Somerset Labour stands ready to fight for real, visible improvements—from repairing roads to investing in the unique heritage and future of our towns. As Redman concluded, “Let’s shift the power closer to the front line.”