LONDON— British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, confirming he will step down as leader of the Labour Party while remaining in office until a successor is chosen.
Starmer made the announcement outside 10 Downing Street, stating that the party had been considering whether he remained the best candidate to lead Labour into the next general election. “I have heard the answer from the parliamentary party, and I accept,” he said.
The prime minister stated he would continue serving until a new party leader is elected, with nomination procedures set to begin on July 9. The leadership contest is expected to conclude before Parliament enters its summer recess on July 16, with the new leader taking office when Parliament reconvenes in September.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who secured victory in the Makerfield by-election on Thursday (with results announced on June 19) and returned to the House of Commons, has emerged as a leading contender for the Labour leadership. Burnham announced his candidacy for the party leadership shortly after Starmer’s resignation.
Starmer was elected Labour leader in April 2020 and led the party to victory in the general election in July 2024, ending 14 years of Conservative Party rule. His tenure spans less than two years, making him the sixth British prime minister in a decade unable to complete a full term.
The resignation comes amid mounting pressure within the party, with reports suggesting approximately 100 Labour MPs had publicly called for his departure. Starmer’s government faced severe criticism over immigration policy, energy policy, and deep internal controversy surrounding the appointment of former Foreign Secretary Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.
