UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns
His resignation follows weeks of pressure from within the party over his leadership and Labour’s prospects ahead of the next general election.
Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party, less than two years after leading Labour back into government.
His resignation follows weeks of pressure from within the party over his leadership and Labour’s prospects ahead of the next general election.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, June 22, Starmer said he had accepted the view of his parliamentary party and would allow a leadership process to begin.
He said his decisions in office had been guided by what he considered to be the national interest.
“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first,” he said.
Starmer also confirmed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision.
He said the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee would set out the timetable for choosing a new leader.
Nominations are expected to open on July 9, with the process due to conclude before Parliament rises for the summer recess.
The resignation marks a dramatic turn for Starmer, who led Labour to a major election victory in 2024 after 14 years of Conservative government.
His time in office, however, had come under growing criticism from Labour MPs and party figures over policy direction, political strategy and the party’s electoral position.
Reports in the UK suggest Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is among the leading figures expected to feature in the succession debate.
Starmer said he would support an orderly transfer of power as the party prepares for the next phase of leadership.
Party officials are expected to begin consultations in the coming days on the rules and timetable for the contest.
The change leaves Labour facing a major internal decision at a time of political pressure from opposition parties and growing public scrutiny of the government’s record.
