LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced his resignation , saying he would step down as Labour leader and remain in office until a successor is chosen by September, paving the way for Britain’s seventh prime minister in 10 years.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said the decision came after his parliamentary party questioned whether he was best placed to lead Labour into the next general election.
“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,” Starmer said, his voice cracking with emotion as he thanked his wife Victoria and children.
Less than two years after guiding Labour to a landslide victory in 2024 with the largest parliamentary majority in modern British history, Starmer’s tenure unraveled amid poor local election results, policy U-turns and declining public support. More than 100 Labour lawmakers publicly called for him to quit or set a timetable for his exit.
Pressure intensified Friday when rival Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, won a parliamentary by-election in Makerfield, giving him a platform to challenge for the party leadership. Burnham is now the clear frontrunner to succeed Starmer.
Starmer said nominations for a new Labour leader will open July 9, with the contest completed before Parliament returns from summer recess. He pledged to ensure an orderly transfer of power and give his successor “full and unequivocal support”.
The resignation makes Starmer the seventh person to hold the prime minister’s office since the 2016 Brexit referendum. Markets showed a muted reaction, with the pound trading near $1.32 and 10-year gilt yields flat at 4.85%.
Labour will remain in government until the next general election, due by July 2029, with the new leader becoming prime minister.
AP.
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