Royal Mail has been heavily criticized for a social media post that appeared to mock Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister. Hours after Starmer's emotional announcement, the postal service shared a photo of Number 10 Downing Street on X with the caption: "Moving home? Remember to redirect your mail."
Starmer's Resignation and Public Reaction
In a tearful speech on June 22, 2026, Starmer said he was "putting the country I love first" as he stepped down, ending weeks of speculation fueled by Andy Burnham's by-election victory in Makerfield. The post was widely condemned as insensitive, with former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson calling it "appallingly insensitive." Lib Dem councillor Alex Jeffery remarked: "I'm not Starmer's biggest supporter but perhaps Royal Mail might want to sort their own house out first by...oh I don't know doing their own job! Where's my post?"
Royal Mail's Performance Under Scrutiny
The backlash was compounded by Royal Mail's ongoing delivery failures. Ofcom launched an investigation earlier in June 2025 after the firm missed its targets for another year. According to the latest quality of service report, only 75.7% of first-class mail arrived the next working day over the 12 months to March, far below the 90% target. Second-class mail achieved 90% against a 95% target.
One X user described the post as a "disgraceful tweet from a public service," while another said: "Your service is shocking, need to concentrate on your own house first!" Royal Mail has been approached for comment.
Royal Mail's Status and Ownership
Royal Mail transferred fully into foreign ownership in 2025 after being privatized under the previous Conservative government. It remains the UK's sole Universal Service Provider, with exclusive rights to issue postage stamps featuring the King's likeness and legal exemptions from certain parking restrictions for its drivers.
