Fidelia Soriwei, with agency reports
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and head of government, bringing an end to months of mounting political pressure and setting the stage for a contest to choose his successor.
Starmer made the announcement outside 10 Downing Street, saying he would remain in office until the Labour Party completes its leadership process to ensure an orderly transition.
“The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,” Starmer said.
“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.
“Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.”
The resignation follows growing discontent within Labour after the party suffered significant setbacks in local elections in May and faced increasing criticism from some lawmakers over its policy direction.
Starmer’s departure comes less than two years after he led Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule and securing one of the party’s largest parliamentary majorities in recent history.
Attention has now shifted to former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is widely regarded as the leading contender to replace Starmer after recently winning a by-election that returned him to Parliament.
Following that victory, Burnham declared: “This now is the change moment.
“We have an opportunity to turn the tide, to make the country feel like it’s working again, to make people see that politics can make a positive difference, to make people feel hope again.”
Starmer said Labour would publish a timetable for the leadership contest, with nominations expected to open in July. He expressed confidence that a new leader could be in place before Parliament returns from its summer recess.
The leadership transition means Britain is set to have its seventh prime minister in a decade, extending a period of political change that has shaped the country’s landscape since the 2016 Brexit referendum.
In an emotional moment during his resignation speech, Starmer thanked his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, and their children for their support throughout his time in office.
“When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife Vic,” he said.
“And being the best dad I can to my beautiful children who are my pride and joy.”
