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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Resign

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Resign

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared his intention to resign as leader of the Labour Party after a period of heightened speculation regarding his political prospects, particularly following Andy Burnham’s recent success in the Makerfield by-election.

In a statement made outside Downing Street on Monday morning, Starmer revealed that he has communicated his decision to King Charles III and will now initiate the process of transferring leadership of the ruling party.

“I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision,” Starmer said.

The outgoing prime minister explained that the contest to elect a new Labour leader will begin in July. He added that he would remain in office until a successor is chosen, with the transition expected to be completed before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.

“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,” he added.

Burnham, widely regarded as the favourite to succeed Starmer, returned to Parliament after securing a convincing victory in the Makerfield by-election last week. His win intensified pressure on Starmer and fuelled calls within Labour for a change in leadership.

The former Greater Manchester mayor has repeatedly indicated his willingness to contest the Labour leadership and is expected to be a leading candidate when the race formally begins.

Starmer’s resignation comes less than two years after leading Labour to a landslide general election victory, ending more than a decade of Conservative rule in Britain.