Sir Keir Starmer delivered a message to Andy Burnham as he left Downing Street for the final time as Prime Minister on 20 July 2026. The outgoing leader is resigning today and will be replaced by the former Greater Manchester Mayor later in the day.
Starmer's Resignation and Succession
Sir Keir is meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace, where he will officially tender his resignation before Mr Burnham makes his own way to Buckingham Palace to be officially granted permission to form a new government. Starmer is leaving office after losing the confidence of his party following a disappointing period in government and very poor local election results in May 2026.
In his farewell speech, Starmer reflected on turning around the fortunes of the Labour Party from a historic defeat in 2019 to winning a landslide election victory in 2024. He stated: "Since then it has been the privilege of my life to serve you and this great country as Prime Minister and I am confident that Britain is stronger and fairer than it was two years ago."
Warm Wishes for Burnham
Despite being effectively removed from office by Mr Burnham, who returned to Parliament following a thumping by-election victory in Makerfield last month, Sir Keir had warm wishes for his successor. He said: "As I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support."
Starmer concluded his speech by thanking his family, his wife Victoria and his children, as well as all the staff who have supported him. He added: "For all the focus on individuals, politics will always be a team sport and the changes we have delivered belong to everyone who fought for them." He said he leaves the job with "good grace and a smile" and with "pride at everything we have achieved."
Transition of Power
Following his speech in Downing Street, Sir Keir made his way to Buckingham Palace to see King Charles, where he officially resigned as Prime Minister. Later today, Andy Burnham will also make his way to Buckingham Palace for his own audience with The King, where he will be granted permission to form a new government. The former Greater Manchester Mayor will then return to Downing Street to deliver his first address as the most powerful person in the country. All eyes will then be on who comes in and out of the famous address as Mr Burnham makes his all-important decisions on cabinet appointments.
