BRIGHTON MPs have reacted after the Labour Party announced who would become its new leader.

Sir Keir Starmer, who has represented the constituency of Holborn and St Pancras since 2014, was elected as the leader of the party today.

 He said the party's current role was to hold the Conservative Government to account as it responded to the coronavirus outbreak in order to "save lives and to protect our country".

But he said that, when the pandemic was over, his party "cannot go back to business as usual," adding that "too many will have given too much, some of us will have lost too much. we know in our hearts things are going to have to change".

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas was one of the first to congratulate him on his new role.

The former Green party leader said: "Congratulations to new Labour leader Keir Starmer - (I) look forward to working together to hold Government to account.

"(I) very much welcome his support for electoral reform - as he said, 'millions of people vote in safe seats and they feel their voice doesn’t count'."

Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner, with the support of Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle and council leader Nancy Platts, was named as Labour's new deputy leader.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle said: "I know Keir is determined to stand up against the inequalities.

"He is the only shadow cabinet member to campaign for me and Kemptown Labour in both elections.

"In 2019, he gave a barnstorming speech with our members and I hope he keeps that passion, with forensic detail and calm leadership.

"We have the possibly of a transformative manifesto and policies under Keir Starmer.

"We must support Keir and enable him to win (the next) election for our party, and keep him left.

"Keir is not only our leader, he is our only chance to win and implement socialism.

"I think Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner will be a good combination for our party. We must work with them and unite.

"Keir's past work representing protesters and unionists, his understanding of running CPS and his sterling role as shadow Brexit secretary puts him in good stead to lead us.

"It's important now that we work to support Keir Starmer. Some on (the) left might want to leave or follow the bullying and aggressive tactics of (the) right against Jeremy Corbyn.

"That would be a huge mistake. Keir is committed to a socialist party and our manifesto. We must embrace Keir."

Hove MP Peter Kyle also threw his support behind the newly appointed duo of Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner.

He said: "The mood has changed already. UK Labour will move forward thanks to Keir Starmer’s decisive win and steadfast message to the country.

"Britain, Labour is here to listen and to serve you again.

"And a huge congratulations to Angela Rayner on her victory as deputy leader.

"She’ll bring empathy and energy by the bucket-load, and boy do we need that right now."