Luton North MP Sarah Owen congratulates Keir Starmer on Labour leadership victory

Starmer, who headed the Crown Prosecution Service from 2008 to 2013, stormed to victory with 56.2% of the vote - beating out rivals Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy.

He is joined by newly-elected deputy leader Angela Rayner, who won with over 52% of the vote in the third round.

In a press statement, Luton North MP Sarah Owen said: “Congratulations to our new Labour leader Keir Starmer.

“Even though this comes at one of the most difficult moments in our country’s history, we now have a chance to bring our party together again.

"Our Labour movement is nothing if it’s not united, and if we’re not united, we can’t change lives and improve things for the people Labour was founded to represent.

“If the current crisis has proven anything over the last few weeks, it’s that the need for proper funding and support for our NHS, it’s staff as well as front line workers in places like the social care sector must be the number one priority for any government.

"It's also been laid bare just how important it is that government is there for its people when they fall on hard times.

"This is what the Labour Party was founded to do and so we can put these values into action, I believe that our fight to win back the trust of the British people must start today.

“After ten long years in opposition, losing the election in December was incredibly tough.

"Now we have a new opportunity to unite all parts of our movement, reflect on our Labour values and once again begin earning the trust of the British people.”

Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins, who backed Rebecca-Long Bailey in the race, tweeted: "Congratulations to Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner on being elected as UK Labour’s new Leader and Deputy Leader.

"Looking forward to working with you to continue fighting Tory austerity and winning a Labour government."

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