Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer visits Stevenage and Hitchin

Sir Keir Starmer on his visit to Stevenage Football Club. Picture: Dan Branowsky (Image: Archant)

Sir Keir also visited the Stevenage War Memorial on the Bowling Green, poignant in the week that marked 75 years since the end of the Second World War.

Stevenage Borough Council leader Sharon Taylor escorted the Holborn and St Pancras MP around the town.

On his visit to Stevenage, Sir Keir Starmer went to the town's football club with council leader Sharon Taylor. Picture; Courtesy of Sharon Taylor (Image: Archant)

She said: “I was delighted to welcome Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, back to Stevenage today to thank our football club for fantastic efforts throughout COVID, and for all they do in our community.

“He also spoke to our veteran and veterans champion. Thanks to Alex, Keith and John for all your help!

Sir Keir Starmer also visited Whitehill Junior School in Hitchin. Picture: Judi Billing (Image: Archant)

“It was a fabulous visit and opportunity to thank our amazing Stevenage FC for all they have done to support our community.

“Many thanks to all at the club including Alex and Dan for their help and a warm welcome.”

Sir Keir Starmer also paid a visit to Stevenage's War Memorial. Picture: Sharon Taylor (Image: Archant)

Stevenage FC pledged to support the elderly and vulnerable at the start of lockdown, having always prided themselves as a “communnity club”.

The club distrubuted meals to those who were shielding, and provided some much-needed company, from a social distance.

Sir Keir Starmer met local author Zoë Folbigg outside the Waterstones store in Hitchin. Picture: Judi Billing (Image: Archant)

Alex Tunbridge, Stevenage FC’s chief executive officer, said: “It was nice for Keir and Sharon to visit the Club to thank us for the exceptional work our staff and supporters have carried out during the past five months with our Community Careline.

“The visit by the Party Leader shows the impact and magnitude the Careline has had and Keir was thankful for our collective efforts to help support our residents during difficult times.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer visited Hitchin on Thursday and took a tour around Market Place. Picture: Judi Billing (Image: Archant)

Sir Keir Starmer also paid a visit to Hitchin yesterday – where he visted the Waterstones store, Whitehill Junior School and the town centre.

North Herts district councillor and leader of Herts County Council Labour, Judi Billing, showed Mr Starmer around the town.

She said: “Massive thank to Hitchin for being its wonderfully welcoming self to Keir Starmer.

“He did an early walkabout in marketplace, meeting many people including BID manager Tom Hardy and local author Zoe Folbigg.

“He then visited Whitehill School where he spoke with the head and teachers and visited a Year 6 class for a conversation with the children.

“It was a lovely visit with many people genuinely pleased to see such a magnificent, down to earth and intelligent politician in the town.

“Looking for all the world like a worthy prime minister of the future.”

Sir Keir Starmer also came to Stevenage – on his first public visit since being elected party leader – in June to discuss the town centre regeneration.