York Central’s Labour MP Rachael Maskell today wished Keir Starmer well as he prepares to step down as Prime Minister – and she had one last request.
The pair have not always seen eye to eye. A year ago, Ms Maskell was suspended by Sir Keir for repeatedly rebelling against the government.
She was readmitted into the Parliamentary Labour Party in November.
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Ms Maskell acknowledged their at times fractious relationship at Sir Keir’s final Prime Minister’s Questions this afternoon (Wednesday).
And she had one last thing to ask of him before Andy Burnham takes over as Labour Party leader and Prime Minister.
Ms Maskell said in the Commons: “Before coming to this house, the Prime Minister and I attended the launch of my uncle’s book.
“It was entitled Fine Lines and Distinctions, and clearly, sometimes we’ve had those differences.
“But I genuinely wish him and his family well for the future.
“But before he places his pen down, I understand there’s a tradition to leave a note for your successor.
“I ask that he ask his successor, the right honourable member for Makerfield, to enact my legislation to licence short-term holiday lets and ensure that we can protect our communities from family houses turning into party houses in our residential areas, ensuring we keep those housing costs down.”
In reply, Sir Keir referenced the infamous note left by outgoing Labour Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liam Byrne to his coalition government successor in 2010, when he jokingly wrote: “There’s no money left”.
The Prime Minister told Ms Maskell: “I’m not sure about notes for successors. I think we left one in 2010, which didn’t work too well.
“But I’m sure that my successor will look at that private members’ bill, and I’m proud to have overseen the biggest boost to renters’ rights in a generation.
“We kick-started the biggest boost to social affordable house building, and wherever people live, they deserve a safe, secure home that they can call their own.”
