Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central, is among local MPs welcoming news of the election of Sir Keir Starmer as new leader of the Labour Party. The 57-year old defeated Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy in a ballot of party members, trade unionists and registered supporters and will succeed Jeremy Corbyn as opposition leader. The lawyer, who became an MP in 2015, won on the first round of voting, with more than 50% of ballots cast. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The Liberal Democrats prospective parliamentary candidate for Sheffield Hallam, Laura Gordon, has begun holding surgeries in the constituency of suspended local MP Jared O’Mara. O’Mara has not been seen publicly since issuing an apology for a series of offensive online comments dating back to 2004 and has been reported to be limiting his parliamentary activities on the advice of his doctor. The MP has been suspended by the Labour Party pending an investigation into allegations of abusive remarks towards a woman at a Sheffield nightclub earlier this year. His team have said advice surgeries are still being held with his staff and people who have a problem can contact his office. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The Sheffield Council by-election takes place on Thusday 22 June, with candidates from the Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Green Party all in the running. The by-election follows the resignation of Labour councillor Nasima Akther and the winning candidate will join Labour Party councillor Mohammed Maroof and Green Party councillor Alison Teale as representatives for the Nether Edge and Sharrow ward. On the ballot paper are Shahid Ali (Liberal Democrats), Jim Steinke (Labour Party) and Rob Unwin (Green Party). Sheffield Live! reporters Azz Mohammed and Simon Thake interviewed the candidates.
Jeremy Corbyn was elected as the new Labour Party Leader on Saturday 12th September. The Islington North MP won with 59.5% of the vote. Sheffield Central Labour MP, Paul Blomfield, told Sheffield Live his reaction to Corbyn’s win.
John Healey MP, for Wentworth and Dearne is standing for the position of Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. He is one of seven candidates standing for the position.
Louise Haigh is The Labour Party prospective parliamentary candidate for Heeley.