Mid Worcestershire Labour Party members have opted to back Sir Keir Starmer as the new leader for the party.

The party meeting at Pershore FC on Saturday also decide to nominate Dawn Butler, who became Britain’s first elected black cabinet minister in 2009, as preferred candidate for deputy leader.

At the same meeting members also voted to nominate candidates to represent constituency parties on the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party.

Acting chair Steve Ainsworth said "These leadership elections are vital for deciding the future of the party and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to the process.

"Members clearly stated the importance of choosing leaders who can reverse the recent election defeat by offering the electorate a credible alternative to the present government."

Secretary Ros Gowers, who organised the meeting, said: "We have held lively debates locally, including with our growing group of new members, about the future of the party.

"It was good to see the degree of agreement at this meeting and the determination to move forward together."

Evesham Labour Party is holding a meeting for new members on Tuesday, February 11, at 7.30pm at the Brew Bear Cafe.

Prospective members who want to find out about the Labour Party are also welcome.