British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party, paving the way for a leadership contest that will determine his successor and the country’s next prime minister.
Speaking from Downing Street, Starmer said he had concluded that he was no longer the right person to lead Labour into the next general election and had informed King Charles III of his decision.
While stepping down as party leader, Starmer confirmed he will remain prime minister until the leadership election is completed to ensure a smooth transition of power.
He revealed that Labour’s governing body will open nominations for the leadership race on July 9, with the nomination period closing before Parliament’s summer recess on July 16. If a contest takes place, a new leader is expected to be chosen before Parliament returns in September.
“I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly transition,” Starmer said, adding that he would give his successor his “full and unequivocal support. ”The announcement has immediately intensified speculation over who will replace him. Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is widely viewed as the frontrunner after his recent by-election victory in Makerfield.
Burnham has already confirmed his intention to run for the leadership. His prospects were further strengthened after former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, previously considered a potential rival, publicly endorsed him.
Burnham praised Starmer’s leadership and service, but declined to discuss whether he would call a general election if he became prime minister, saying his immediate focus was taking up his parliamentary seat. Starmer became Labour leader in April 2020 and led the party to a landslide election victory in July 2024, becoming prime minister shortly afterward.
In an emotional farewell speech, Starmer paid tribute to his wife, Victoria, and their children. “When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job — being the best husband I can to my wife Vic and the best father I can to my children,” he said. His departure will mark the end of one of the shortest premierships in Labour’s history and will see the United Kingdom prepare for its seventh prime minister since 2016.
