Britain is set for another change in leadership after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his own resignation on Monday, ending a turbulent term that lasted less than two years and was marked by political controversy, policy reversals and declining public support.
In an emotional speech outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his decision was based on what he believed was best for the country.
“Every decision I made was about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labor Party”, he said fighting back the tears.
The leadership competition starts in July
Starmer announced that the process of electing a new leader of the Labor Party will begin in July.
He has confirmed that he will remain prime minister until a successor is chosen, and the transition is expected to be completed before parliament returns from its summer break in September.
“I will remain in the position of prime minister until the end of the competition and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” he said.
His resignation comes after months of mounting pressure, including several scandals and high-profile departures within his government that have weakened his power.
Andy Burnham emerges as the leading contender
Attention is now focused on veteran politician Andy Burnham, who is widely seen as the leading candidate to succeed Starmer.
Burnham is expected to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament on Monday after winning a key snap election last Thursday, clearing the way for him to contest the Labor leadership.
Until the weekend, Starmer repeatedly insisted he would remain in office and resisted calls for his resignation.
Another British Prime Minister
Starmer’s departure means Britain is set to welcome its seventh prime minister in just ten years.
The announcement also comes a day before the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, the political watershed that saw the United Kingdom leave the European Union and triggered years of leadership instability.
Starmer was initially credited with transforming Labor into an election-winning force, leading the party to a decisive victory in 2024 and ending 14 years of Conservative rule.
However, his administration soon faced a series of challenges, including unpopular welfare cuts and criticism of defense spending policies.
His position was further threatened in March following a backlash over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, an associate of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, as UK ambassador to Washington.
Starmer has also struggled to contain the rapid rise of the far-right, anti-immigration Reform UK, which defeated Labor in May’s local elections and intensified calls for his resignation.
In his parting words, Starmer pledged his full 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..
