Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation Monday as leader of the Labour Party and head of government, ending weeks of speculation over his political future. He will remain in office until a leadership contest concludes, to ensure an orderly transition.The decision follows heavy Labour losses in May’s local elections and growing dissent among Labour MPs.
Pressure intensified after Andy Burnham, former Greater Manchester mayor, won a decisive special-election victory in Makerfield last week, positioning him as the clear favourite to succeed Starmer. Burnham was sworn in as an MP Monday — a required step, since Labour’s leadership rules mandate the post be held by a sitting member of parliament.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer thanked his wife Victoria, calling her “a rock,” and said he wanted to be “the best dad I can” to his children. Britain will now see its seventh prime minister in a decade, an unprecedented turnover rate.
US President Donald Trump had predicted the resignation a day earlier, posting that Starmer had “failed badly” on immigration and energy policy, though he added, “I wish him well.”
