Former Blackpool MP Gordon Marsden praises new Labour deputy Angela Rayner and congratulates Keir Starmer

Gordon Marsden said Mrs Rayner’s new position is ‘hugely deserved’.

The MP for Ashton-Under-Lyne was announced as the party’s new deputy leader at the weekend after receiving 52.6 per cent of the vote. She was also announced as the new chair for the party.

Sir Keir Starmer was declared the new leader for the party, replacing Jeremy Corbyn after five years.

Mr Marsden said: “So pleased to have Angela Rayner as deputy leader.

“Hugely deserved for her hard work,life achievements and incredible energy, reaching out on front bench as fantastic shadow education secretary, with whom I was proud to serve, and across the UK to members including us in Blackpool.

He also congratulated Mr Starmer on his victory and said the party must now unite together after suffering a heavy defeat in the General Election in December.

Mr Marsden said: “Together they will be an enormous asset and inspiring team. They need to bring all sections of Labour together and pursue the politics of connection for the ‘ better future ‘ that Keir has promised.”

Mr Marsden was the constituency MP from 1997 to 2019 when he was defeated by Conservative, Scott Benton.