Keir Starmer Resigns As The UK Prime Minister

Keir Starmer has resigned as British prime minister and leader of the Labour Party.

In an emotion-laden voice, Starmer said he has “heard the answer” of his party on whether he is best placed to lead it into the next general election and “accepts that answer with good grace.”

He announced his resignation on Monday, June 22, 2026, outside 10 Downing Street.

Andy Burnham, who would be sworn in as MP for Makerfield, could replace Starmer as Prime Minister.

Burnham is expected at Westminster today. He won his by-election last week.

After exiting No 10 with his wife, to cheers and applause, Starmer said walking up Downing Street two years ago was the proudest moment of his life.

He said he inherited a party that was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt”, noting that he implemented a raft of policies to change the lives of millions for the better.

“I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said, noting that every decision he has taken has been about “putting the country I love first.”

Starmer said he spoke to King Charles this morning to inform him of his decision to resign and that he asked the national executive committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening for the leadership on July 9, and completed by the summer recess.

This will mean a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September.

Until then, Starmer said he will occupy the office of Prime Minister.

He added that he will do everything to ensure an orderly handover of power, and will give his successor full support.

Speaking on his plans after office, Starmer said he would now be the best husband and dad to his “fantastic wife” and “beautiful children”.

Starmer took office in July 2024 after leading Labour to a landslide victory in the general election.

That victory ended 14 years of Conservative government, following Rishi Sunak’s resignation, and made Starmer the country’s sixth prime minister in 10 years.

But within less than two years, his popularity began to wane after voters felt the government had not delivered on the “government of service” promise.

Dwindling perception of the UK leader among his allies was exacerbated by results for his party in local and regional elections in May, and the rise of Reform UK, the anti-immigrant populist party led by Nigel Farage.

Last year, his personal ratings dropped to their lowest ever level, well below those of Sunak.

In recent weeks, there have been significant resignations from Starmer’s government, including from Wes Streeting, health secretary, with more than 70 Labour MPs publicly urging the Prime Minister to resign.

Initially, Starmer defied the calls, saying he would not “walk away”, and that his resignation would “plunge the country into chaos.”

But as pressure mounted, the 63-year-old was left with little choice.

Andy Burnham has been positioned as the next Prime Minister.

Burnham will be in Westminster today to be sworn in as MP for Makerfield, after he won a by-election last week.

If selected to lead the country, Burnham will be Britain’s seventh prime minister in 10 years.