Sir Keir Starmer has officially resigned as Prime Minister, delivering his final address outside Downing Street on July 20, 2026, before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to King Charles III. His departure paves the way for Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester Mayor, to form a new government.
Starmer's Farewell Speech
Surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues, Starmer received a rapturous round of applause as he stepped out to speak one last time as the nation's leader. In his address, he declared: "I am about to visit His Majesty The King to offer my resignation as Prime Minister and close the chapter on my time as Prime Minister. My work is done."
Starmer reflected on his tenure, which began with a landslide Labour victory in the 2024 General Election, transforming the party from its historic 2019 defeat. 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."
Legacy and Challenges
The outgoing Prime Minister highlighted the geopolitical challenges facing the UK, saying: "We face a world now where our enemies will stop at nothing to divide us, because of our freedoms and values and because of our unflinching commitment to the brave people of Ukraine. Under this attack it is vital that we remember the greatness of the Britain all around us."
Starmer's resignation follows a period of declining party confidence, triggered by disappointing governance and poor local election results in May 2026. He leaves office after just over two years, a relatively short premiership marked by ambitious reforms but ultimately undermined by internal dissent.
Passing the Baton to Andy Burnham
Starmer formally endorsed his successor, stating: "As I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support." He concluded his speech by thanking his wife Victoria, his children, and the staff who supported him, adding: "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."
Starmer said he leaves the job with "good grace and a smile" and "pride at everything we have achieved." Following his speech, he proceeded to Buckingham Palace to officially resign.
Burnham's Transition to Power
Later today, Andy Burnham will visit King Charles for his own audience, where he will be granted permission to form a new government. He will then return to Downing Street to deliver his first address as Prime Minister. Attention will immediately turn to his cabinet appointments, with decisions on who will join or be removed from the top team.
