British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Officially Resigns

Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as both United Kingdom (UK) prime minister and leader of the Labor Party, saying he accepts that his party no longer sees him as the right person to lead it into the next general election.

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said the key question facing Labor was whether he remained the best person to take the party forward. He said he had “heard the answer” from within the party and was accepting it “with good grace.”

Starmer said every major decision he had taken in office was guided by putting the country first. He also defended his record as Labor leader, saying he had taken over a party that was politically, financially and morally weakened and helped rebuild its standing.

He said he had changed Labor by removing the “poison of anti-Semitism” and restoring public trust in the party on the economy, defense and national security.

Starmer confirmed that he had informed King Charles of his decision earlier in the day. He said he had asked Labor’s National Executive Committee to begin the leadership process, with nominations opening on July 9 and the contest to be completed before the summer recess. That timeline would allow a new leader to be in place before Parliament returns in September.

Until then, Starmer said he would remain in office to ensure an orderly transition and would fully support his successor.

In the emotional closing part of his speech, he thanked his wife, Vic, calling her a constant source of support through both good and difficult times. He also said he now wanted to focus more on his family and be the best husband and father he could be.

His resignation is expected to trigger an immediate contest within Labor over who will lead the party and become the next prime minister. Among the names now likely to draw attention is Andy Burnham, who is due in Westminster after winning the Makerfield by-election last week.