ITV political correspondent Robert Peston sparked outrage among viewers just minutes after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister, during live coverage from Downing Street on Monday morning, June 22, 2026. The backlash was primarily due to Peston's casual attire—an open-neck button-down white shirt without a suit jacket or tie—as temperatures soared in the capital.
Starmer's Resignation Announcement
Sir Keir Starmer stepped out of No. 10 to announce his departure from office, insisting that every decision he has made has been about 'putting the country I love first.' His resignation came just 72 hours after his leading challenger, Andy Burnham, returned to Westminster as an MP. Starmer added that he had heard from his ministers and MPs and would do as they had said, instructing the National Executive Committee to begin the election process, with voting opening on July 9th and ending on July 16th. The Prime Minister said he would give his 'full support' to his successor, before becoming emotional as he discussed the support from his wife and children throughout his two-year reign.
Peston's Attire Criticised
When Starmer returned to No. 10, Robert Peston addressed the ITV news team, sharing his thoughts on the explosive announcement. Viewers were quick to call out one detail about the broadcaster online. Many fumed that the political correspondent appeared unprofessional, ditching his conventional suit jacket and tie. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), one user fumed: 'Couldn't Robert Peston at least have put on a shirt and tie for the resignation of our Prime Minister? Show some respect.'
The incident comes as ITV faced backlash for its coverage of the breaking news. The broadcaster's decision to have Peston anchor the segment without formal attire was seen by some as disrespectful to the occasion. The showbiz team at Express.co.uk is updating this story with the latest information as it becomes available.
