Keir Starmer says he’ll resign as Prime Minister, leader of Labour Party

British Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as leader of the Labour Party, acknowledging that many within the party no longer believe he is the best person to lead Labour into the next general election.

In an emotional statement delivered outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, June 22, Starmer said he had listened to the concerns being expressed within the party and accepted the verdict with humility.

“The central question has been whether I remain the right person to take Labour into the next election,” he said. “I have heard the answer, and I accept that answer with good grace.”

The announcement marks a dramatic turning point in British politics less than two years after Labour secured a historic landslide victory in the 2024 general election, ending more than a decade of Conservative rule.

Speaking alongside his wife, Starmer said every decision he had taken as Labour leader and prime minister was motivated by a desire to serve the British people and put the country's interests first.

“I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he declared, while pledging to oversee a smooth transition process.

Reflecting on his leadership journey, Starmer recalled taking over a Labour Party that many critics believed was politically, financially and morally weakened.

He argued that under his leadership, Labour rebuilt public trust, tackled antisemitism within the party and restored credibility on key national issues such as economic management, defence and national security.

“We proved those people wrong,” Starmer said, highlighting what he described as the party’s remarkable recovery and return to government.

Starmer’s resignation follows months of increasing pressure from Labour MPs, cabinet members and party activists after a series of disappointing local election performances and declining approval ratings. Reports suggested dozens of Labour lawmakers had called for a change in leadership amid concerns about the party’s prospects at the next general election.

Political tensions intensified following the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster, with many party members viewing him as a potential successor.

Starmer revealed that he had already informed King Charles III of his decision and confirmed that Labour’s National Executive Committee would immediately begin the process of selecting a new leader.

Under the proposed timetable:

• Leadership nominations will open on July 9.
• Candidates will campaign throughout the summer.
• The contest is expected to conclude before Parliament returns in September.
• A new Labour leader and prime minister should be in place before the autumn parliamentary session begins.

Until a successor is chosen, Starmer will continue serving as prime minister to ensure continuity in government and a stable transition of power.

Starmer’s departure brings an abrupt end to a premiership that began with enormous expectations following Labour’s sweeping election victory in 2024. While supporters credit him with restoring Labour’s electability and returning the party to government, critics argue that policy reversals, internal divisions and declining public confidence weakened his authority.

His resignation now sets the stage for a closely watched leadership battle that will determine who leads both Labour and the United Kingdom into the next phase of government. Political observers believe Andy Burnham is among the leading contenders to replace him, although other senior Labour figures are also expected to emerge in the race.