A huge moment for our movement, as we see Fabian Society executive committee member Sir Keir Starmer elected leader of the Labour Party. While Fabian member Angela Rayner assumes the reigns as deputy leader. Two leading Fabians at the head of our movement.

Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner won with 56.2% and 52.6% of the votes respectively. Both have gained clear decisive wins. With 490,731 votes cast overall, Starmer has the mandate to move the party in a new direction.

The Labour Leadership results come at a remarkable moment in our nation's history as we grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has transformed our lives. In a sign of the new age, yesterday I watched the live broadcast while waiting nervously in anticipation of the announcement in a Zoom call. I am absolutely elated with the result but also wary of the huge challenges ahead for our party.

The first task the new Leader faces is to select his shadow cabinet and lead the Labour party response to COVID-19. Today we have seen the announcements of Starmer’s top team including Fabian Society executive member Anneliese Dodds, appointed the first woman Shadow Chancellor.

Additionally, Fabian members Lisa Nandy, Nick Torfaen & Rachel Reeves have been appointed to the shadow cabinet, a fantastic top team.

Starmer is not alone, as a member of our executive committee, he will have the support of the Fabian Society and the Young Fabians. We will now need to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive, bold and forward-thinking policy platform that can move the country forward in 2024 and beyond.

However, before we can turn to the future we must face the imminent challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Starmer is leading from the front with the much-welcomed announcement of a new Shadow COVID-19 Committee, which will be responsible for coordinating the Party’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jonathan Ashworth remains in place as Shadow Health Secretary, which is much great news. Ashworth has been forensic and effective in holding the government to account for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the BBC’s Marr this morning, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to support the government while providing constructive opposition. How our party and we as individuals respond to this crisis will determine how COVID-19 defines us as a nation. Under Starmer's leadership, the Labour party will rise to the challenge, it is clear now that another future is possible.

Dr Martin Edobor is Vice-Chair of the Fabian Society, NHS General Practitioner and the former Chair of the Young Fabians (2015-2016)