United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned as both prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, saying he has accepted his party’s verdict on whether he remains the right person to lead it into the next general election.
Starmer announced his resignation on Monday outside 10 Downing Street in an emotional address, declaring that he had “heard the answer” from his party and “accepts that answer with good grace”.
The outgoing prime minister reflected on his time in office, describing his arrival at Downing Street two years ago as the proudest moment of his life. He noted that he inherited a Labour Party that was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt” and said his administration had implemented policies aimed at improving the lives of millions of people.
“I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said, adding that every decision he has taken was about “putting the country I love first”.
Starmer disclosed that he had informed King Charles of his decision earlier in the day. He also revealed that he had directed the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee to begin the process of electing a new leader, with nominations expected to open on July 9 and conclude before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
Until a successor is chosen, Starmer said he would continue serving as prime minister to ensure a smooth transition of power.
He pledged to support whoever succeeds him, saying he would do everything possible to guarantee an orderly handover.
Attention has already shifted to Andy Burnham, who is widely tipped as a potential successor. Burnham, who recently won a by-election to become MP for Makerfield, is expected at Westminster as discussions over Labour’s future leadership gather momentum.
Speaking about life after office, Starmer said he intends to devote more time to his family, describing his wife as “fantastic” and his children as “beautiful”.
His resignation marks a dramatic turning point in British politics and sets the stage for a closely watched Labour leadership contest in the coming weeks.
