Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Prime Minister, less than two years after leading Labour to power. In an emotional statement outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, June 22, 2026, Starmer acknowledged that his parliamentary party had questioned whether he was the best person to lead them into the next general election. He accepted their verdict with what he described as good grace.
Starmer's Emotional Farewell
Speaking with a wavering voice, Starmer defended his record, asserting that he would leave behind a Britain that is stronger and fairer than the one he inherited. He pledged full support to his successor, saying, '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 of reflection with his family at Chequers, the Prime Minister's country residence.
On Monday morning, ministerial allies and Number 10 staff gathered in Downing Street around 9.30am, signaling that an announcement was imminent. The opening of Starmer's statement was briefly interrupted by a protester playing Beethoven's Ode To Joy, the EU anthem, outside Downing Street.
Labour Leadership Contest Underway
Starmer's resignation triggers a Labour leadership contest. Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, is seen as the frontrunner. He 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 anticipated to enter the race.
Starmer announced that nominations will open on July 9, the day after his expected return from a Nato summit in Turkey, and close on July 16 at the start of the summer recess. He has asked Labour's National Executive Committee to set a timetable to have a new leader in place by September 1, when Parliament returns from recess.
Political Reactions
Starmer's resignation means the UK will have its 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 Starmer's successor to be bold, saying, 'Whoever becomes prime minister needs to drop the caution and complacency and show the ambition our country deserves.' Green leader Zack Polanski added that the country needs 'a bold change of direction,' warning that Burnham 'must be bold or he will be bust.'
