Good Morning Britain viewers were left baffled by music playing in the background during Sir Keir Starmer's resignation speech on Monday, June 22, 2026. The Prime Minister announced his resignation outside Downing Street, with cameras broadcasting the event live on ITV. Susanna Reid and Ed Balls hosted an extended edition of Good Morning Britain that continued into Lorraine Kelly's time slot, covering the resignation before and after the speech.
Background Music Distracts Viewers
During Starmer's address, viewers heard music that many found distracting. One viewer asked: "Who is playing that music near Downing Street whilst Keir Starmer is giving his resignation speech?" Another remarked: "The music in the background of Keir Starmer's speech is sending me." A third agreed: "The music in the background of Keir Starmer's resignation is taking me OUT." Another questioned: "What's that music behind Keir Starmer as he announces his resignation? Is that a Christmas song?" Some viewers demanded action: "Someone smash that music player up," while others asked about the classical piece: "What's the classical music?" One person wondered: "Why's ode to joy playing in the background of Keir Starmer's resignation?"
On-Air Discussion
After the speech, Susanna Reid and guest Kevin Maguire, associate editor of the Daily Mirror, addressed the distraction. Reid asked: "People might be asking, what was the music being played?" Maguire explained that the music came from protesters outside Downing Street. He said: "You always get a group who started out as anti-Brexit, I think they've just gone more general protesting all the time. It's kind of surreal that the Prime Minister is making the statement of his life, resigning as the Prime Minister of the UK, Great Britain, and Northern Ireland, and you've got a hymn in the background. I suppose it is politics, democracy, and that includes when Andy Burnham was elected, he had a bloke dressed as a bin and another as a fox next to him."
Emotional Farewell
Sir Keir Starmer became emotional as he concluded his speech, saying leaving the "biggest job in the country" means he can now spend more time on "the most important job." Fighting back tears, he said: "Being the best husband I can, to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad. And being the best dad that I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and joy." Earlier, Susanna Reid confirmed Good Morning Britain would run into Lorraine's slot, announcing: "We are now in rolling news mode, we will be on air until 10am this morning because we've anticipated it all morning."
