𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party. Announcing his resignation this morning in a statement outside 10 Downing Street, he said: “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. And I accept that answer with good grace.

“Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.” He said he would remain in post until a successor is chosen, ensuring what he described as an orderly transfer of power.

The Labour Party is expected to begin its leadership process on July 9, with nominations opening that day and closing before the summer recess on July 16. He said that if there were a contest, this would “ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.”

Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide election victory in 2024, told supporters gathered in Downing Street that he would continue to serve as prime minister during the transition period and would support whoever succeeds him.

His resignation comes less than two years after he was elected, making him the Labour Party’s shortest-serving prime minister. Starmer’s decision follows a period of increasing instability within the Government and his party.

Labour’s popularity declined sharply after its landslide victory in 2024, amid repeated setbacks in local elections and growing criticism of its economic performance, public services, and internal party management.

After 15 months in power, Starmer became the most unpopular British prime minister on record. He faced 20 ministerial resignations during his tenure. From migration policy to the Mandelson affair and a series of repeated policy U-turns, Starmer faced mounting criticism throughout his time in office.

Pressure on Starmer also intensified in recent days following a high-profile by-election victory by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in Makerfield, which was widely interpreted within Westminster as a signal that Labour’s leadership could be challenged.

His emotional announcement follows a weekend of intense pressure from senior Cabinet ministers and backbench MPs urging him to step down.

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As he was watched by his supporters and colleagues, Starmer was on the verge of tears as he reflected emotionally on leaving office, saying his focus would shift toward family life after years in frontline politics.

He said: “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 fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad; and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.”