LABOUR politicians in the city have welcomed the election of Keir Starmer as new leader of the party.

The former shadow Brexit secretary was elected on Saturday, after it was revealed he got 56.2 per of the first-preference votes, beating Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy.

Angela Rayner was elected as deputy leader, and the new leader has also announced key shadow cabinet appointments including Ms Nandy as his shadow foreign secretary, Ms Long-Bailey as shadow education secretary, and former leader Ed Milliband as shadow business secretary.

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Former Worcester MP Mike Foster, who had been a vocal critic of previous leader Jeremy Corbyn, said the talented team the new leader was putting together would, in time, be seen as a government in waiting.

"The country has been crying out for a credible opposition," he said.

"He is elected at a difficult time (during the pandemic). Now is not the time to make party political points. He will want to work with the government, support the government, but still hold the government to account in their decision making."

Lynn Denham, who stood as Labour's candidate in the city in December's general election, said: "I very much welcome Sir Keir as leader, Angela as deputy, and the shadow cabinet is shaping up well.

"It is going to be a very strong team to take the Labour Party forward.

"It is a talented team with a balance of geography, gender, and of those on different spectrums of the broad church of the party.

"Worcester Labour Party members showed support for Sir Keir and Angela at a recent meeting, so I would expect people to welcome the result. Sir Keir was a member of Jeremy's cabinet so there will be some continuing of key policies.

"Angela is very impressive. It is the beginning of a new era."