Following the resignation of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party on Somerset Council, Councillor Leigh Redman, has called on the government to “step up” and prioritize funding for vital local services.
Mr Starmer announced his departure on the morning of June 22 outside 10 Downing Street after nearly two years in office. His successor is expected to be named before the party conference in September, with Andy Burnham, recently elected MP for Makerfield and former mayor of Greater Manchester, the current frontrunner.
In response, Councillor Redman—leader of the Labour opposition on Somerset Council and former Bridgwater general election candidate—highlighted the urgent need to reset national priorities and secure sustainable funding for public services and local government.
READ MORE: Somerset Schools to Close Amid Red Heat Warning
READ MORE: Riverside Footpath in Bath to Close on Rugby Match Days Amid Boat Evictions
“Public service at that level demands incredible commitment,” Mr Redman acknowledged, “and we must recognize Sir Keir’s efforts. Yet, times of transition offer an important opportunity to refocus on what truly matters.”
As mayor of Bridgwater and chair of the council’s children and education scrutiny committee, Redman stressed the growing pressures on special needs education and other frontline services. “Real leadership means moving beyond the Westminster bubble and providing long-term, stable funding,” he said. “In Somerset, this means shifting from temporary crisis measures to sustainable recovery that supports families through robust SEND support, timely EHCP provision, and protecting essential emergency services.”
A vocal critic of Liberal Democrat policies at County Hall, Redman also called for greater devolved powers to local councils to enable faster, more democratic progress on regeneration projects. He pointed to initiatives such as the £20 million Pride in Place fund and the redevelopment of Bridgwater’s old hospital into a centre of excellence as examples that could benefit from less bureaucratic delay.
“We need an economic environment where local councils are empowered to make decisions, independent traders can thrive, and high street strategies are informed by local knowledge—not imposed from above,” said Redman. “Somerset Labour is ready to fight for tangible improvements our communities can see—from repairing roads to investing in our towns’ heritage and future. Let’s bring power closer to the front line.”