Stoke-on-Trent MPs have reacted to Sir Keir Starmer's announcement that he is stepping down as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party.

David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove

David Williams, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove, said he believed the decision was "the right one for the country" and said that focus should remain on delivering the change that people voted for.

He said: "I believe the Prime Minister's decision today was the right one for our country.

"I'm proud of the difference our Labour government has made for people across Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove. In less than two years, we have got the NHS off its knees and reduced waiting times, lifted more than half a million children out of poverty and secured the biggest ever investment in our ceramics industry.

"But people voted for change, and too many are still waiting to feel it in their daily lives. It is right that he steps aside now, in the best interests of the country.

"In a turbulent world and a country where too many people feel left behind, what matters now is a stable and orderly transition. The Labour Party cannot spend the coming weeks and months talking to ourselves.

"The public rightly expects us to stay focused on what actually changes lives: a growing economy, better public services, higher living standards and real opportunities for the next generation.

"That is the job we were elected to do, and it is where our focus must remain: on the people we serve, and on delivering the change they voted for."

Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central

Gareth Snell, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, expressed his gratitude for Keir Starmer's service to the country and said that the priorities of the people who elected them should "remain front and centre".

He said: "Our election in 2024 was on a mandate to change the country and improve lives of people in Stoke-on-Trent.

"Keir Starmer started us on that path and, at times, it's been challenging but we have made progress.

"As he leaves office, I want to express my gratitude for his service to our country and my party.

"But the overarching aim now needs to be an orderly transition for the sake of the country in which the priorities of the people who elected us remain front and centre."

Allison Gardner, Stoke-on-Trent South MP

Allison Gardner, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, expressed that she is "deeply saddened" by the resignation and said that it marks the end of a period of leadership "that delivered profound and lasting change".

She said: "I am deeply saddened by the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer.

"His decision marks the end of a period of leadership that delivered profound and lasting change for our country; stabilising the economy, lifting half a million children out of poverty, delivering the biggest upgrade in workers' and renters' rights in a generation, and overseeing the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists in 17 years. All during a time of geopolitical instability.

"While I did not shy away from concerns about the impact of a change in leadership, I respect his decision and the dignity with which he has taken it.

"The integrity and loyalty he showed as Prime Minister should be remembered as we continue working to drive positive change.

"For now, I want to express my sincere thanks to him for his service. My priority, as always, is serving my constituents and supporting this Labour Government to deliver the change the British people voted for."