British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday after losing the confidence of members of his own party, bringing his time in offic...
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday after losing the confidence of members of his own party, bringing his time in office to an end less than two years after Labour’s election victory in July 2024.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Sir Keir said he had accepted the views of Labour MPs regarding his leadership and confirmed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision.
“The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,” he said.
Advertisement
“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.”
Sir Keir said every decision he had made as Prime Minister was aimed at putting the country first. He added that he had spoken to the King earlier in the day to communicate his intention to step down as Labour leader and Prime Minister.
During his address, the outgoing Prime Minister paid tribute to his wife Victoria, describing her as a source of support throughout his time in office. He also said he hoped to spend more time with his children and focus on family life.
His resignation follows growing pressure from Cabinet ministers and Labour Members of Parliament after months of internal challenges within the party. Despite previously insisting that he intended to remain in office, Sir Keir decided over the weekend that he no longer had a realistic path to continue.
Labour’s National Executive Committee is expected to establish the rules and timetable for the leadership contest. Candidate nominations are scheduled to open on July 9, with the process expected to conclude before Parliament returns from its summer recess.
Sir Keir said he would remain at Number 10 while the contest takes place in order to ensure an orderly transfer of power. Because Labour continues to hold a strong majority in Parliament, there will be no general election and the party’s new leader will automatically become Prime Minister.
Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has emerged as the leading contender to replace Sir Keir. Reports indicate that he has received backing from a significant number of Labour MPs, although it remains uncertain whether there will be a contested race.
Other names linked to the leadership contest include Health Secretary Wes Streeting, former armed forces minister Al Carns, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones.
Sir Keir’s successor is expected to inherit Labour’s large parliamentary majority but will face the challenge of rebuilding support within the party following the events that led to his resignation.
