Sir Keir Starmer resigned as prime minister on Monday, June 22, 2026, after mounting pressure from his own party. The announcement came just days after Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, signalling an expected leadership challenge.
Resignation Announcement
Speaking outside Downing Street, Starmer said: “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 confirmed he had informed the King of his decision.
Starmer noted that 100 MPs had called for him to quit, which he cited as the reason for stepping down. He vowed to remain as prime minister until a new leader is elected, with nominations opening on July 9 and the contest completed by the summer recess.
Background and Pressure
Calls for Starmer to resign had been building since Labour suffered heavy losses in May’s local elections. Around a quarter of the party’s 403 MPs had publicly demanded his departure. Until Saturday, June 20, Starmer had insisted he would not “walk away” and would fight any leadership challenge.
Starmer’s Achievements
In his resignation speech, Starmer highlighted his government’s accomplishments over two years: “An economy that is stronger, growing faster than our peers. Wages rising faster than inflation in every single month since we came to power. Investment secured, infrastructure being built. An end to austerity, with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years.” He also cited improvements in workers' rights, defence spending, and reducing small boat crossings.
Leadership Contest
Starmer announced that the National Executive Committee will set a timetable for nominations opening on July 9, with the contest 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,” he said. He pledged to give his successor “full and unequivocal support.”
Personal Remarks
Starmer concluded by thanking his staff and the civil service, and expressed his intention to focus on his family: “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.”
