British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday that he will resign as Labour Party leader, and leave Downing Street once a successor is chosen, ending a premiership that began with Labour’s large 2024 general election victory.
Speaking outside No. 10, Starmer said he accepted that Labour lawmakers no longer viewed him as the best person to lead the party into the next election. He said he had informed King Charles of his decision and would remain prime minister during the transition. Starmer argued that his decisions in office were intended to put the country first, and said he would give his successor full support.
The immediate focus now turns to Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor who recently entered Parliament after winning the Makerfield special election. Burnham defeated a Reform UK candidate, a result that intensified pressure on Starmer amid concerns about Reform’s sustained national polling lead. Burnham is widely regarded as the leading contender to become Labour leader and prime minister. He said Starmer had provided significant public service and confirmed he would put himself forward, while emphasizing stability and an orderly process.
Starmer said he will ask Labour’s National Executive Committee to open nominations on July 9. If there is a contested race, a new leader could be installed by September. If Burnham runs unopposed, the transition could be faster. Wes Streeting, who recently resigned as health minister and had been expected to consider a leadership bid, said he would support Burnham instead.
Starmer’s resignation follows months of difficulties, including weak personal approval ratings and Labour setbacks in May’s local elections. He becomes the sixth U.K. prime minister to announce resignation in less than a decade. Near the end of his remarks, he thanked his wife and children, saying he would devote more time to family.