Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, stepping down 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 best placed to lead them into the next general election, saying: “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.”
Starmer's Emotional Farewell
With a wavering voice, Starmer defended his record, pledging to give his successor “my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago.” He added: “When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children.”
His decision followed a weekend at Chequers with his family, where he mulled his future. The announcement came after ministerial allies and Number 10 staff gathered in Downing Street shortly before 9:30am, signaling the impending resignation.
Leadership Contest Ahead
Starmer's resignation triggers a Labour leadership contest, with Andy Burnham seen as the frontrunner. The former Greater Manchester mayor is expected to be sworn in as an MP on Monday afternoon after winning the Makerfield by-election. Former health secretary Wes Streeting is also expected to run.
Starmer said he would ask Labour's National Executive Committee to set a timetable for a new leader to be in place by September 1, when Parliament returns from summer recess. Nominations will open on July 9, after Starmer returns from a Nato summit in Turkey, and close on July 16.
Political Reactions
Starmer's resignation makes him the seventh prime minister in a decade. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for a general election, tweeting: “If Labour thinks it can shove another professional politician into No 10, it has another thing coming.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the next PM to “drop the caution and complacency and show the ambition our country deserves.” Green leader Zack Polanski said the country needed “a bold change of direction,” adding: “if he becomes the next PM, Burnham must be bold or he will be bust.”
