Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, just two years after leading his party to a historic general election victory.
In a statement outside 10 Downing Street on Monday morning, a visibly emotional Starmer said his party had been asking whether he was “best placed to lead us into the next general election” and that he had “heard the answer” and accepted it “with good grace.”
Starmer said he would remain in post until Labour chooses a new leader, which he has asked the party’s governing body to ensure happens before Parliament returns in September. Nominations for the leadership will open on 9th July and are expected to be completed by the summer recess.
Starmer’s resignation comes as a shock to many, given his victory in the July 2024 general election, which ended 14 years of Conservative rule. Describing that moment as the “proudest moment” of his life, Starmer said he entered politics for the chance to change the lives of millions for the better.
In his resignation speech, Starmer said he inherited a Labour Party that was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt” and was told “time and time again” that the party was “finished.” He said he “proved those people wrong” by changing the party and “ripping out the poison of antisemitism.”
“Restoring trust on the economy, defence and national security,” he added.
Every decision he had taken in office, Starmer said, had been about “putting the country I love first.”
Fighting back emotion, Starmer thanked his “fantastic wife, Vic,” describing her as his “rock,” and said he wanted to be the “best dad I can to my beautiful children.”
He pledged to do everything he could to ensure an orderly handover of power and said he would give his successor his full support.
Starmer spoke to the King by telephone on Monday morning to inform him of his decision.
All eyes are now on the leadership contest. The overwhelming favourite to succeed Starmer is Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, who recently won a by-election to become MP for Makerfield and was due to be sworn in on Monday.
Political correspondent Nick Eardley noted that a growing number of Labour MPs believe there will be a “coronation” rather than a contest, with Burnham as the frontrunner. Wes Streeting, who had previously expressed interest in running, may now accept a senior position in a Burnham government instead.
The Liberal Democrats and Reform Party have both called for a general election, but under the current timetable, Labour will select a new leader who will then become Prime Minister without a national vote.
Reaction to Starmer’s resignation was swift.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, described Starmer as a “man of great integrity who has devoted his career to public service.” He noted that Starmer is only the fifth Labour leader to have won a general election.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski said Starmer “lost the confidence of the country” after failing to challenge the establishment’s “power and wealth,” leaving “the vast majority in a cost of living crisis.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the public is “sick of being let down by an endless merry-go-round of prime ministers while nothing really changes.”
Reform Leader Nigel Farage called for a general election at the “soonest possible date,” describing Starmer as “the most incompetent prime minister” the UK has had.
Starmer will remain as Prime Minister until his successor is chosen. Nominations for the Labour leadership open on 9th July, and the contest is expected to conclude by the summer recess on 16th July.
If, as widely expected, Andy Burnham runs unchallenged, he could become Labour leader and Prime Minister soon after nominations close. If there is a contest, a new leader will be in place before Parliament returns on 1st September.
For now, Starmer’s resignation marks the end of a brief but turbulent premiership and sets the stage for a new chapter in British politics.
