LONDON, Jun 22 — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday he will resign as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, with a successor expected to take office by September.
The 63-year-old said he will remain in post until the governing party elects a new leader and prime minister. He pledged “full and unequivocal support” to ensure an orderly handover of power.
Starmer said he spoke to King Charles III Monday morning to inform him of the decision. He asked Labour’s National Executive Committee to set a timetable for the contest. Nominations will open July 9 and the process will finish by Parliament’s summer recess July 17. A new leader will be in place before Parliament returns in September.”The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,” Starmer said in an address from Downing Street.
“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question and I accept that answer with good grace.”Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who won a House of Commons by-election last week, is seen as the frontrunner to replace Starmer at 10 Downing Street.Starmer led Labour to a landslide general election victory in July 2024.
His approval ratings fell in recent months over controversial decisions.”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, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children,” Starmer said, choking back tears.
