Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Prime Minister, less than two years after leading Labour to victory. In an emotional statement outside 10 Downing Street, he acknowledged that his party had questioned whether he was the best leader for the next general election. “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace,” he said.
Weekend at Chequers
The Prime Minister spent the weekend at Chequers, the country residence, deliberating his future with his family. His decision remained unclear until Monday morning, when ministerial allies and Number 10 staff gathered in Downing Street shortly before 9.30am, signaling that an announcement was imminent.
Labour Leadership Contest
Starmer’s resignation triggers a Labour leadership contest, with Andy Burnham widely seen as the frontrunner. The former Greater Manchester mayor is expected to arrive in Westminster on Monday afternoon to be sworn in as an MP after winning the Makerfield by-election. Former health secretary Wes Streeting is also expected to put himself forward as a candidate.
