British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, bringing a turbulent two-year tenure to an end and setting the stage for yet another leadership change in a country that has seen six prime ministers exit without losing a general election over the past decade.
"Every decision I have taken is about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign," said Starmer, 63, as he announced his decision to step down. Starmer made the announcement outside 10 Downing Street, saying he had spoken to King Charles III to inform him of his decision. He has asked the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to open nominations on July 9, with the process expected to be completed before the summer recess, ensuring a new leader is in place when Parliament returns in September.
The resignation followed months of turmoil, with Labour members criticising Starmer for failing to deliver the rapid change expected after his party ended 14 years of Conservative rule. Local elections in May saw Labour lose more than 1,000 council seats, widely read as a public repudiation of his leadership.
The tipping point came when former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won a parliamentary by-election in Makerfield last week, clearing the path for a formal leadership challenge. Several ministers had already resigned in the weeks prior, including former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who said it was clear Starmer would not lead Labour into the next general election.
Controversy over fiscal policy, welfare reforms, and the appointment of Peter Mandelson, an associate of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as US ambassador also contributed to fractures within the party.
Starmer will remain caretaker prime minister until Labour elects a new leader, with former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham widely seen as the frontrunner. Following the announcement, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Starmer's leadership, while US President Donald Trump criticised his handling of immigration and energy policy.