Hartlepool MP Mike Hill is backing Keir Starmer to be the new Labour leader

Mr Hill has nominated Sir Keir, a QC barrister, to be Leader of the Labour Party and Angela Rayner to be the Deputy Leader.

He says they are best placed to ‘heal the rifts’ within Labour and rebuild trust with the electorate.

Mr Hill said: “Keir Starmer has the knowledge, skills and ability to hold Boris Johnson to account for his actions as Prime Minister and is a leader who can unite us as a force to stand up for the ordinary people in our communities.

“Keir has spent his career as a barrister fighting for the ordinary people in the street taking on giants like McDonald’s as well as Governments of all parties.

“Keir has also acknowledged and confirmed publicly that the party accepts the result of the General Election and accepts that Brexit will take place at the end of this month.

“I welcome this commitment to listen to the public, and I am sure that the people of Hartlepool will also welcome it, and it is a mark of his leadership style that he has started this campaign by listening to what the people are saying.

“We must move on as a nation to discuss the issues that people really care about with plans for crime reduction, a strong economy, good employment and a properly funded NHS.”

Candidates need at least 22 MPs or MEPs to nominate them before Monday, January 13.

Mr Hill described Angela Raynor as “one of the greatest and most capable MPs our party has ever had” adding: “She will make an excellent Deputy Leader with her trademark compassion and strength.

“I know she will continue to be a strong voice for the North in the Shadow Cabinet and in our wider party.”

He wished all the candidates luck and called for everyone involved to listen to each other during ‘frank’ discussions about Labour’s future.

“This is our chance to build a better future for working class communities like Hartlepool.”

Other leadership hopefuls include Rebecca Long Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips, Emily Thornberry and Clive Lewis.