The MP for Lancaster & Wyre has thanked Sir Keir Starmer for his service after he resigned as Prime Minister.
Cat Smith released a statement after the PM announced his decision to step down on Monday.
"Following the resignation of Keir Starmer as Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, a leadership contest will now take place in accordance with the party's rules and procedures," said Ms Smith.
"I would like to thank Keir Starmer for his service. The coming weeks will provide an opportunity for the Labour Party to reflect on the future direction of the party and the country.
"As the leadership election process begins, I will continue to focus on representing constituents in Lancaster and Wyre and carrying out my parliamentary responsibilities. I look forward to hearing from colleagues who may wish to put their names forward."
Nominations are expected to open on July 9 to find a new leader of the Labour Party, who would become the next Prime Minister.
Andy Burnham, who was sworn in as MP of Makerfield yesterday after winning a by-election last week, is the favourite to succeed Sir Keir.
Earlier on Monday, Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said: "I think the Prime Minister has made the right decision, and done so with grace.
"I will always be grateful for everything he has done for the party and for the country."
In May, Ms Collinge was one of a number of MPs who called for the Prime Minister to step down, after poor local election results for Labour, part of a remarkable fall in popularity for the party since its landslide General Election victory in 2024.
Ms Smith declined to comment at the time.
In a statement outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, Mr Starmer said his party had been asking whether he's "best placed to lead us into the next general election" and said "I have heard the answer"
He said that every decision he had made in office had been about "putting the country I love first" and, visibly emotional, thanked his "fantastic wife, Vic" and said he wants to be "the best dad I can be to my beautiful children".
The PM said he'd remain in post until Labour selects a new leader, which he said he'd asked to happen before Parliament returns in September.
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