Members of the British Labor Party on Saturday April 4 designated the centrist and europhile Keir Starmer as the new leader to succeed the very left Jeremy Corbyn, and to put the weakened and divided opposition party back on track.
Keir Starmer, 57, former human rights lawyer and party leader of Brexit for three years, was a favorite with 40-year-old Rebecca Long-Bailey, seen as Jeremy's natural heiress Corbyn, and Lisa Nandy, also 40, supported by the generalist union GMB, which represents some 500,000 workers. He won with 56.2% of the vote.
Perceived as skilful but not very charismatic, Keir Starmer pledged to set up and reunite Labor after his worst defeat in the legislative elections since 1935, due in particular to the loss of popular bastions traditionally acquired by Labor.
The reunification promises to be difficult, however, as the divisions are numerous and deep: on the radical or more liberal line that Labor must adopt, but also between Eurosceptics and pro-Europeans on the issue of Brexit or even on the management of anti-Semitism within the party.
Apologies for anti-Semitism within Labor
Barely elected, Keir Starmer presented his "Apologies" for anti-Semitism within the party, in a televised address broadcast just after his election: "In the name of Labor, I apologize"he said, committing to "Root out the poison" anti-Semitism, a "Stain on the party".
It’s the honor and privilege of my life to be elected as Leader of the Labor Party. I will lead this great part… https://t.co/8lOF1jlPUo
As for the refoundation of the party, "I understand the magnitude of the task"Keir Starmer assured. "Our mission is to restore confidence in our party", he continued. "I will lead this great party into a new era (…), so that when the time comes we can serve our country again in government. "
The more than 580,000 members of the Labor Party, trade unionists or members of socialist groups affiliated to Labor were able to participate in this ballot, as well as citizens who agreed to pay 25 pounds sterling (just over 28 euros) to be registered. as supporters.
At the end of a campaign overshadowed by the epidemic due to the coronavirus, they also had the task of appointing the new deputy head of Labor: it was Angela Rayner, in charge of education issues within the party, who was designated, facing Dawn Butler, Ian Murray, Rosena Allin-Khan and Richard Burgon.
