UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Resignation, Triggering Labour Leadership Race
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he will step down as leader of the governing Labour Party and resign as prime minister, less than two years after leading Labour to a landslide election victory in 2024. He said he would remain in office temporarily until a successor is chosen.
In a statement outside Downing Street, Starmer acknowledged growing concerns within his own party about his ability to lead Labour into the next general election. He said he had accepted the judgment of Labour lawmakers "with good grace" and had informed King Charles III of his decision.
The resignation follows months of political turmoil, declining approval ratings, internal party criticism, and heavy Labour losses in local elections. The pressure intensified after former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham emerged as a strong challenger and gained support from senior Labour figures.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting has already endorsed Burnham's leadership bid, significantly strengthening his position ahead of the contest. Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader in July, with a replacement likely to be installed before Parliament returns in September.
Starmer's departure will make Britain search for yet another prime minister within a decade, highlighting the political volatility that has characterized UK politics in recent years.