Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he will resign as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party, bringing an end to his premiership after just under two years in office, reports London Daily News Desk
In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, Keir Starmer reflected on what he described as the proudest moment of his life, recalling walking into Downing Street following Labour’s return to power in July 2024.
He said he had entered politics with the aim of improving the lives of millions and set out the political journey that led to Labour forming government. Before confirming his resignation, he said he had inherited a Labour Party that was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt”, adding that he had been repeatedly told the party was “finished”, but insisted he had proven those predictions wrong.
Starmer highlighted what he described as key changes during his leadership, including “ripping out the poison of antisemitism” from the party and restoring trust on issues including the economy, defence and national security.
He said the central question facing the party was whether he remained best placed to lead Labour into the next general election. He said he had “heard the answer” from colleagues and would “accept that answer with good grace”.
Confirming his decision, he said he would resign as leader of the Labour Party and had already informed the King of his intention. He also asked the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to establish a timetable for a leadership contest, with nominations opening on 9 July and the process expected to conclude over the summer recess. This would allow a new leader to be in place before Parliament returns in September.
Until that point, he said he would remain in office as Prime Minister and would ensure an orderly transition of power. He added that he would offer full support to his successor and said they would inherit a Britain he believes is “stronger and fairer” than when he first took office.
Starmer also thanked colleagues, Downing Street staff and the civil service for their support during his time in office, describing their work as “extraordinary”. He said his decision had been made with the country’s interests in mind and insisted that every step he had taken in office had been about “putting the country first”.
In a more personal moment, Starmer said that after leaving what he described as the “biggest job in the country”, he intended to focus more on family life. He said he looked forward to being the best husband he could be to his wife, Vic, who he described as a constant source of support, and to being a present father to his children, whom he called his pride and joy.
Following the announcement, he embraced his wife outside Downing Street before returning inside No 10.
The announcement came after Starmer said he had spoken to His Majesty King Charles III earlier in the day to formally inform him of his resignation. The call reportedly took place while the King was at his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire.
