BBC Breakfast host Jon Kay announced a schedule change on Monday, June 22, 2026, as speculation mounted that Sir Keir Starmer was poised to resign as Labour leader. The programme, which typically ends at 9:30am, remained on air to cover Starmer's statement outside No 10.
Jon Kay told 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 Confirms Resignation
Starmer appeared and delivered his resignation speech, saying: "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. 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."
Starmer stated he would remain as Prime Minister until the contest is complete, ensuring an orderly handover of power.
BBC Schedule Disrupted
The announcement caused BBC Breakfast to overrun into the scheduled slot for Morning Live. Viewers reacted on X, formerly Twitter, with comments such as "Morning Live getting short shrift" and "They've binned off Morning Live."
According to the BBC TV schedule, Morning Live was replaced by a BBC News Special, which is due to air until 1pm. BBC Breakfast airs on BBC One from 6am daily.
