A love letter to Derby from the people who live and work here - and Sir Keir Starmer

Derby was unwillingly thrust in the news last week when it was named worst city in Britain by Which? readers.  

It is a vibrant city with an epic dining scene and flourishing live music industry - in addition to leading music studio Dubrek, we also welcome Sir Tom Jones at a concert very soon. 

Which? members may have been left unimpressed by Derby, but we have thoughts about this ‘worst city’ label. 

Derby, like any other place, is not perfect.

Pitting Derby against behemoth cities of Liverpool, Edinburgh, London and Manchester was always going to be unfair. 

Derby may have the badge of a city, but it has the proud, beating heart of a town, a motto that helps us love Derby that little bit more every day. 

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DerbyWorld is a news site that is proud to help put Derby on the map, and we try our hardest, working 24-7 to share positive news about the city and show Derby some love. 

DerbyWorld covered the Which? story last week and since then, we have spoken to countless people who have been dismayed by the negative label.

It is never nice to hear negative comments, and yes, parts of the city do need work.

However there is always room for improvement and there is plenty to love and be grateful for, right now in Derby. 

If anything, there has been an outpouring of support for our city, which has galvanised positive feelings.

Read more: What's On in Derby?

Here are a few words of encouragement and support from champions of Derby, which includes Sir Keir Starmer, DerbyWorld Editor Abigail Rabbett, and local residents keen to shout out about the greatness of Derby.

Promises from Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer is leader of the Opposition who visited Derby earlier this week (Tuesday May 28, 2024). 

He told DerbyWorld: "There is a rich history of manufacturing and engineering in Derby. I want to see more of it.

"So if we win this election, my laser focus would be on secure, well-paid, skills jobs in places like Derby.  

“That means not just in the big companies but in the small and medium-sized companies that are so important to the economy.

“After the recent Labour win in the East Midlands Mayoral election, it means that after this general election, if we are privileged to come into power, we would have a Labour mayor and a Labour government working together for Derby and the whole East Midlands to turbocharge this region.”

Un-Dump Derby

Abigail Rabbett is Derby World editor who shared her disquiet at the Which? poll. 

She said: “My heart broke last week when I saw the UK media branding Derby a ‘rundown dump.’

“There is so much good going on in the city including giant regeneration projects, to help make it a better, more modern, and fun place to be.

“We remain dedicated to shining a spotlight on all the best parts of this quirky little city. And together with local businesses and figures, we will lead the way to securing Derby a place on the map for the right reasons.”

A gateway to the Peak District

David Turner has lived in Derby nearly all his life (bar three months in his formative years).

The founder of Derby Heritage Centre is keen to shout out about his beloved city.

He said: “People are quite angry about it [the Which? ranking].

“Derby is a city full of incredible attractions, great museums, wonderful people, and what's more is also the gateway to the Peak District. 

“We also have some incredible events for example Celebrate Sadler Gate on June 29, which will be a fantastic fun-packed day for the full family.”

Derbians must remain proud

Rory Hay, a Derby local whose work at Nielsen McAllister has seen him champion Derby, is a huge fan of the city’s heritage and dining scene.

He wrote on a social post: ‘Derby has the Museum Of Making at the Silk Mill, which tells the story of Derby’s 300-year history of making to inspire new creativity, there is also the art gallery, which is home to the largest collection of Joseph Wright paintings in the world. 

‘There are also many great places to eat and drink in Derby, specifically on the thriving Sadler Gate, which is home to many cocktail bars, restaurants, and cafés. 

‘Next year, Derby is looking forward to welcoming a new performance venue opening in the heart of Derby, holding up to 3,000 people, this will bring a new buzz to the city hosting the most popular live acts in the country including comedians, bands, and theatrical productions.

‘Today, the city is a testament to its history, industry, and culture. 

‘Its journey from the Industrial Revolution to becoming a modern, ever-developing city shows the resilience and adaptability of its people. As Derby continues to grow, Derbeians remain proud of the city’s rich heritage.’

A place of importance, a place for work

Simon Burch from local agency Penguin PR is keen to look at the bigger picture and believes ‘there is no need to panic.’

He said: “Once I got over my wounded pride over the Which? story and the dust settled, I came away with a feeling of ‘meh.’

“Because a look at the other cities on the lists shows me they’re either bigger than Derby – and, obviously, have got more stuff – or they’re the lovely places that everyone likes to visit, with historic buildings, Roman ruins and the like.

“It’s not very good, but then it’s not disastrous either and no need for panic. 

“Derby is primarily a place of work. It has a thriving engineering economy where the people have dirt under their fingernails because they make stuff that is high-tech and of global significance.

“That isn’t the stuff that people go to see, but it is important.”