British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as leader of the Labour Party, bringing an end to a turbulent period in office marked by political setbacks, policy reversals and declining public support.
In an emotional address outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, Starmer said his decision was driven by what he believed was in the best interest of the country.
“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said.
Starmer disclosed that the Labour Party would begin the process of electing a new leader in July. He will remain prime minister until a successor is chosen, with the transition expected to be completed before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
The announcement follows months of mounting pressure on the Labour leader, who had repeatedly insisted he would remain in office despite growing calls for his resignation from within and outside the party.
His departure opens the door for a leadership contest in which veteran politician Andy Burnham is widely seen as a leading contender. Burnham is expected to return to Parliament after securing victory in a key by-election last week, strengthening his position ahead of the expected race for the party leadership.
“I will remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” Starmer said.
The resignation comes less than two years after Labour’s decisive victory in the 2024 general election, which ended 14 years of Conservative rule and returned the centre-left party to government.
Starmer was initially praised for rebuilding Labour and restoring its electoral fortunes. However, his administration soon faced growing criticism over a range of controversial policies, including welfare reforms and defence spending decisions.
His political standing suffered further amid a series of scandals and ministerial resignations that weakened confidence in his leadership.
One of the most damaging controversies emerged earlier this year when he faced fierce criticism over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington. The decision sparked widespread backlash and intensified calls for a change in leadership.
At the same time, Labour struggled to counter the growing popularity of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, which made significant gains in local elections in May, raising fresh questions about the government’s political direction.
Starmer’s resignation comes a day before the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum, a landmark vote that triggered Britain’s departure from the European Union and ushered in a period of political instability that has seen a succession of prime ministers.
With Starmer’s departure, Britain is now preparing to welcome its seventh prime minister in just ten years.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Labour leader expressed confidence in the future of the country and pledged his support to whoever succeeds him.
“I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago,” he said.
The coming weeks are expected to be dominated by the Labour leadership contest as the party seeks to chart a new course ahead of the next phase of government.