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Bishop Richard has called on local MPs to work for the common good in their constituencies, following the results of yesterday’s General Election.

Polling stations closed at 10pm last night, with constituency results (which are ongoing) announced across the early hours of the morning. The Catholic Church in England and Wales (CBCEW), the Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), CAFOD and the St Vincent De Paul Society were markedly vocal in encouraging Catholics across our community of faith to have their voices heard, producing a range of resources for parishes and schools which reflected and supported Catholic Social Teaching.

As a result of the election, a number of seats have changed political affiliation across the Diocese, with the Labour Party, under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, confirmed as the next UK Government. Speaking earlier today, Bishop Richard said:

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“I ask for prayers for all those who will be involved in the new government: that they will strive for peace and true justice, recognising the dignity of human life and the need to foster the wellbeing of those most disadvantaged in our society.”

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Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will visit King Charles at Buckingham Palace this morning to tender his resignation, with Sir Keir formally appointed as Prime Minster by the King shortly afterwards.