Ms Lockhart said: “The outgoing Prime Minister’s two-year term in office won’t be fondly remembered. In fact, quite the opposite. Sir Keir Starmer’s legacy is a Labour Government that attacked pensioners, farmers and the working people of the United Kingdom.

“I called for him to go on several occasions, and at long last he has done the right thing. We don’t need another Prime Minister who doesn’t listen to the electorate. 

“As a nation the UK has huge potential and the new Prime Minister needs to unleash it. The task ahead is clear. Listening to the people of this country, and righting the wrongs created by the previous leadership must be top of the agenda.”

The MP added: “We need someone who will tackle illegal immigration head on, open up the North Sea and stop our reliance on foreign energy, reduce the tax burden on working families and start to make our United Kingdom great again. 

“Farmers, pensioners, small businesses and working families have borne the brunt of Labour policies that have damaged confidence, undermined livelihoods, and left many feeling anxious and ignored by Westminster.”

Andy Burnham is a firm favourite to succeed Sir Keir Starmer. Ms Lockhart said she is watching with interest to see what unfolds in the coming weeks and months.

The DUP Agriculture spokesperson said: “I note with interest, Mr Burnham's recent comments regarding the deeply controversial inheritance tax changes affecting family farms. Farmers across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK have been clear about the devastating and long-term impact thenew reforms will have on generational farm and rural businesses.

“Mr Burnham has publicly acknowledged that family farms deserve to have their voices heard and has indicated a willingness to revisit the ‘death tax’ that was implemented in April. 

“That is welcome recognition of the concerns that have been raised by farmers and industry stakeholders, but it will be interesting to see if those words are translated into action.”

Ms Lockhart added: “Andy Burnham has also spoken about the importance of food security, local producers and thriving rural communities. He has met with farmers, listened to their concerns and recognised the vital role agriculture plays in supporting both local economies and the wider national interest. If he does become Prime Minister, Mr Burnham must build on those commitments and ensure that farming is no longer treated as an afterthought by the current Government.

“Our farmers don’t want special treatment. They want to be valued and treated fairly. They want a Government that understands the pressures, values their contribution and introduces policies that protect family farms for the future. It is crucial we safeguard food security and sustain rural communities and the wider economy.

Carla Lockhart MP concluded: “The incoming Prime Minister has the opportunity to demonstrate that he is prepared to listen, especially where his predecessor failed to do so. 



“For the sake of our farming industry, agri-food sector, rural communities and the wider economy, I urge Sir Keir Starmer’s successor to seize that opportunity and deliver the change that so many people across the United Kingdom have been waiting for.”