BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay confirmed a schedule change live on the BBC show as Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, June 22. The programme, which typically ends at 9:30am to make way for Morning Live, remained on air to broadcast Starmer's statement outside Number 10 Downing Street.
Jon Kay informed viewers: "And I should just tell people at home that we're going to be staying on here, here on BBC One, until we've heard from the Prime Minister. And on the BBC News Channel, they are expecting something from the Prime Minister, a statement here outside the front door in number 10, just in the next few minutes."
Starmer's Resignation Speech
Keir Starmer appeared at the podium and confirmed his departure, stating: "The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into 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 added: "Every decision I've taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision."
Starmer outlined a timetable for the leadership contest, saying: "I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening on the 9th of July, completed by the summer recess. In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September. I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power."
Impact on BBC Schedule
The breaking news meant BBC Breakfast ran into the time slot usually occupied by Morning Live. According to the BBC TV schedule, Morning Live has been replaced by a BBC News Special, which is due to air until 1pm. Viewers on social media reacted, with one person posting on X: "Morning Live getting short shrift," and another saying: "They've binned off Morning Live."
BBC Breakfast airs on BBC One from 6am daily.
