Tributes are being paid to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer MP following his notice of resignation on the steps of 10 Downing Street on Monday.

Monmouthshire MP Catherine Fookes worked as his Parliamentary Private Secretary for the past year and was photographed alongside supporters of the beleaguered PM in Downing Street as he made his address.

She said working with him had been an honour.

He will remain in office as caretaker Prime Minister until a successor is officially chosen

Catherine told the Beacon that she was “proud to stand in Downing Street with the Prime Minister”.

“I can tell you from the heart that he is a kind, hard-working, decent and thoughtful leader. He took our party from one of its most challenging moments to a landslide General Election victory. And he was in this job for one reason only – to serve our country.

“As Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has overseen a Labour Government that's made an enormous impact across the UK, in Monmouthshire, and overseas,” she added.

“To list just a few of its many achievements: bringing down inflation, raising wages and pensions, delivering the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation, lifting 500,000 children out of poverty, tackling pollution in our rivers, the vital decision to nationalise the railways, recognising Palestine as a State, delivering Pride in Place funding to revitalise our high streets, and implementing serious measures to protect women and girls both offline and online.

“An incredible legacy, and one that Labour must now build upon as it continues its transformation of Britain.

“No matter what happens in Westminster, my priority, as always, will be to work tirelessly for Monmouthshire and ensure our voices are heard at the highest levels,” she said.

Former Monmouth MP Huw Edwards who previously represented the area for two non-consecutive terms (1991–1992 and 1997–2005) said: “It was certainly a dignified statement by the Prime Minister on what will be an historic political day. Sir Keir Starmer's achievement in returning Labour to power after fourteen years of Conservative-led government was impressive But government is tough and the good policy decisions that have been made under his premiership have been overwhelmed by the attention he has had to devote to foreign affairs in the context of a vile and overbearing US President who Sir Keir has stood up to. The plates of British politics have moved significantly in recent years and Andy Burnham has proved that that he can defeat Reform UK convincingly. Personally, I think he should have been elected Labour Leader years ago when he stood twice.

“It was moving to hear Keir Starmer's of appreciation for his family and those who work closely with him including our own MP Catherine Fookes who was in Downing Street this morning. There are are many hard working committed Labour MPs and I'm confident they will give that hard work and commitment to the next Labour leader and Prime Minister,” he added.

Nominations for Prime Minister open on July 9 and close on July 16.

Candidates require backing from 81 nominations from Labour MPs to make the ballot.