Crewe and Nantwich's Labour MP has publicly called for the Prime Minister to resign following "devastating" and "catastrophic" local election results for the party across the UK.

In a strongly worded statement issued in the aftermath of the elections, Connor Naismith MP praised Labour activists, councillors and campaigners for their efforts.

Calling for Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to be given the opportunity to "re-enter parliament," the Crewe MP insisted many had "worked extremely hard in difficult circumstances," only to lose because of "factors outside of their control."

Mr Naismith said: "This set of local election results are devastating for the Labour Party.

"Good councillors, MSPs, MSs and candidates have worked extremely hard in difficult circumstances, but have lost as a result of factors outside of their control.

"While in recent weeks I have been clear in my mind that there should be no distractions from those hard working volunteers, organisers, councillors and candidates across the country trying to secure election, it is only right that in the wake of such difficult results we tell some hard truths.

Connor Naismith MP is calling for Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to be given the opportunity to 're-enter parliament' (Photo: UK Parliament).

"The Prime Minister is a good man. A man of integrity. He secured a General Election victory no one believed possible and has led from the front on the world stage in difficult circumstances.

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"These attributes alone are not enough. In these elections, we have once again seen our historic coalition fall apart, with voters leaving us both to the left and to the right.

"We are witnessing a fracturing of our politics which cannot be tolerated and which needs strong leadership that the country can unite behind.

"In the wake of these catastrophic local election results, with regret, it is clear to me that we need new leadership.

"Leadership which is capable of bringing together a broad coalition of voters to stop the Thatcherite politics of Reform UK.

"The world is in a turbulent place so any transition of power should be orderly, and should facilitate voices from across our movement to chart the course for what we do next.

"That must include giving Andy Burnham the opportunity to re-enter parliament if an opportunity arises and if he wishes to do so."