United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and will step down as prime minister after fewer than two years in office.
In an emotional address outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he had accepted that he no longer had sufficient support within the Labour Party to lead it into the next general election. He added that every decision he made while in office was guided by what he believed was in the best interest of the country.
Starmer said he would remain as caretaker prime minister until the Labour Party elects a new leader, with the transition expected to be completed before Parliament reconvenes in September. Leadership nominations are scheduled to open in July.
His resignation follows months of mounting pressure from within the Labour Party amid declining public approval ratings, disappointing election performances, and growing internal calls for a change in leadership.
Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has emerged as the leading contender to succeed Starmer after securing broad support from senior Labour figures, including former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who withdrew from the leadership race and endorsed Burnham.
Starmer led Labour to a landslide general election victory in 2024, ending years of Conservative rule. During his tenure, his government pursued reforms in the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy but faced criticism over policy reversals, the cost-of-living crisis, and declining public confidence.
His departure marks another significant leadership change in British politics and ushers in a new chapter for the governing Labour Party as it prepares to choose a successor.
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