Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister on Monday, capping a tumultuous 23-month tenure that began with a landslide election victory but unravelled amid electoral setbacks and internal dissent.
Starmer made the emotional announcement outside 10 Downing Street, stating he had informed King Charles III of his decision. He will remain in office until Labour elects a new leader, expected before Parliament returns in September. Nominations for the leadership contest are set to open on July 9.
"I have heard the answer from my parliamentary party. I accept that answer with good grace. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party," Starmer said, according to reports of his statement. He emphasized putting "the country I love first" and thanked his wife Victoria, describing her as his "rock," while expressing a desire to focus on family.
The resignation follows Labour's poor performance in May local elections, where Reform UK made significant gains, and a by-election win in Makerfield on June 19 by former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham who won decisively with about 55% of the vote, signalling strong internal support for a leadership change.
Burnham, widely viewed as the frontrunner, confirmed he will stand as a candidate to succeed Starmer. His victory has galvanised calls from over 100 Labour MPs for an orderly transition.
Starmer led Labour to a historic win in July 2024 but faced plummeting polls, scandals—including a tax controversy involving his deputy—and policy challenges. His exit marks him as the sixth UK prime minister to depart in the past decade.