Prime Minister confirms departure as Labour prepares to choose a new leader

Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as leader of the Labour Party, setting in motion a leadership contest that will determine the United Kingdom’s next prime minister.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision and accepted that he was no longer the person best placed to lead Labour into the next general election.

The Prime Minister said Labour’s governing body would begin the process of selecting a successor, with nominations opening on 9 July and closing before Parliament’s summer recess on 16 July.

He stated that if a contest takes place, a new leader would be chosen before Parliament returns in September.

Until then, Starmer will remain Prime Minister and oversee what he described as an orderly transition of power.

He also pledged to give his successor his full support and said they would inherit a country that was stronger and fairer than the one he took over two years ago.

The announcement follows growing pressure within Labour after a series of political setbacks and the recent Makerfield by-election victory secured by Andy Burnham.

Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is widely regarded as the leading contender to replace Starmer and become the next Prime Minister.

On Monday, Burnham formally confirmed that he would stand in the leadership contest before travelling to Westminster to take his seat as the new Member of Parliament for Makerfield.

His campaign received an immediate boost when former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, previously considered a potential rival, publicly endorsed Burnham’s leadership bid.

Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has also been mentioned as a possible candidate, although he indicated he had not yet decided whether to enter the race.

Arriving in London, Burnham praised Starmer’s service and dedication to the country.

When asked whether he would call a general election if he became Prime Minister, Burnham declined to speculate, saying his immediate focus was taking his seat in Parliament.

His arrival at Westminster was met with loud applause from Labour MPs, while some opposition members shouted remarks from the benches.

Later, Burnham joined around 200 Labour MPs for a group photograph in Westminster Hall.

He is expected to deliver a major speech next week outlining his economic priorities and plans for government if he succeeds in becoming Labour leader.

Starmer’s resignation brings an end to a significant chapter in Labour’s recent history.

He became Labour leader in April 2020 and entered Downing Street as Prime Minister on 5 July 2024 after leading the party to a landslide general election victory.

His departure means he will become the shortest-serving Labour Prime Minister in British history.

It also means the United Kingdom will soon have its seventh Prime Minister since 2016.

During his resignation speech, Starmer acknowledged that members of his parliamentary party had questioned whether he should continue leading Labour into the next election.

He said he had listened to their answer and accepted it with good grace.

Accompanied by his wife Victoria, Starmer became visibly emotional as he reflected on life beyond politics.

He said that after leaving the country’s highest office, he intended to focus more on his family and described being a husband and father as the most important responsibilities in his life.

Several senior Labour figures paid tribute following the announcement.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves thanked Starmer for helping build what she described as a stronger and more secure Britain.

Former deputy leader Angela Rayner also praised his record, highlighting reforms in employment and leasehold legislation.

With the leadership contest now under way, attention turns to Labour’s future and who will emerge as the party’s next leader and the country’s next prime minister.