Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister

Britain is set for another change in leadership after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, ending a turbulent tenure that lasted less than two years and was marked by political controversies, policy reversals and falling public support.

In an emotional speech outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his decision was driven by what he believed was best for the country.

“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said while struggling to hold back tears.

Leadership contest to begin in July

Starmer announced that the process of electing a new leader of the Labour Party will commence in July.

He confirmed that he will remain prime minister until a successor is chosen, with the transition expected to be completed before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.

“I will remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” he said.

His resignation comes after months of mounting pressure, including several scandals and high-profile departures within his government that weakened his grip on power.

Andy Burnham emerges as leading contender

Attention has now turned to veteran politician Andy Burnham, who is widely regarded as a leading candidate to succeed Starmer.

Burnham is expected to be sworn in as a member of parliament on Monday after winning a crucial special election last Thursday, clearing the way for him to contest the Labour leadership.

Until the weekend, Starmer had repeatedly insisted that he would remain in office and fight off calls for his resignation.

Another prime minister for Britain

Starmer’s departure means Britain is preparing to welcome its seventh prime minister in just a decade.

The announcement also comes a day before the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, a political watershed that led to the UK’s exit from the European Union and triggered years of leadership instability.

Starmer had initially been credited with transforming Labour into an election-winning force, guiding the party to a decisive victory in 2024 and ending 14 years of Conservative rule.

However, his administration soon became bogged down by a series of challenges, including unpopular welfare cuts and criticism over defence spending policies.

His position was further threatened in March following backlash over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, an associate of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, as the UK’s ambassador to Washington.

Starmer also struggled to contain the rapid rise of the far-right, anti-immigration Reform UK, which defeated Labour in local elections in May and intensified calls for his resignation.

In his farewell remarks, Starmer pledged his full support to whoever succeeds him.

“I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago,” he said.