 Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister and Leader of The Labour Party, bringing to an end a turbulent tenure of just under two years in office. In an statement delivered outside 10 Downing Street on the morning of Monday 22 June 2026, Sir Keir Starmer described becoming Prime Minister following The Labour Party's landslide victory in July 2024's General Election as the proudest moment of his life. He acknowledged that he had "proved his critics wrong" on several fronts but accepted with "good grace" the clear message from his parliamentary party that he was no longer the best person to lead The Labour Party into the next General Election. Sir Keir confirmed he would remain in post as a caretaker Prime Minister until an orderly transition could be completed, with a new leader expected to be in place before Parliament returns in September, later this year. The announcement has triggered a rapid but largely managed leadership transition within The Labour Party. Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who secured a decisive By Election victory in Makerfield only days earlier, immediately confirmed he would put himself forward as a candidate to succeed Sir Keir. Wes Streeting, former Health Secretary who had resigned from the Cabinet last month, was quick to endorse Mr. Burnham and declared he would not stand himself, arguing that a prolonged summer contest would damage both the party and United Kingdom. With no other credible challengers yet to emerge publicly, Mr. Burnham is widely regarded as the overwhelming favourite to become the next Prime Minister, potentially as early as mid-July if the process remains uncontested. Senior Labour figures including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband have paid warm tributes to Sir Keir's achievements in office, citing new workers' rights, renters' reforms, investment in social housing, the creation of Great British Energy and Great British Railways, and Britain's restored international standing, particularly in support for Ukraine. The resignation marks the seventh change of Prime Minister in a decade. 
0 Comments
A prominent Political Commentator Emily Hewertson, from United Kingdom, has hit out at Wes Streeting after the former Labour Party minister used his resignation letter to brand Reform UK supporters as part of a "dangerous English nationalism" and an "existential threat" to the country.
Sharing the key excerpt from Streeting's statement, Hewertson wrote:
"Labour just don't get it, do they?" Emily pointed out that many Reform UK voters are former Labour Party supporters and questioned whether demonising them was the best way to win them back. Emily's comments quickly gained traction on Social Media and highlighted the growing rift between The Labour Party and the millions of voters who supported Nigel Farage's Reform UK in last week's Local Elections and those held in Scotland & Wales. Informing Britain has contacted Wes Streeting for comment.
Wes Streeting has resigned from his position as Secretary Of State For Health And Social Care.
In a detailed letter released on Thursday 14 May 2026, the Ilford North MP stated that the government lacks the vision and direction required to meet public expectations. — Wes Streeting (@WesStreeting) May 14, 2026
Mr. Streeting made clear he is not launching an immediate Leadership Challenge to the Prime Minister.
He called for a broad debate on The Labour Party's future that focuses on ideas rather than personalities or internal factions. The letter highlights concerns over decision-making processes and the handling of dissenting voices within the parliamentary party.
The resignation comes at a time of heightened political activity, with multiple senior journalists confirming the development within minutes of the letter's publication.
Reactions on Social Media have been swift, reflecting a range of views on the timing and implications for The Labour Party's stability. 
Mr. Streeting emphasised his commitment to Public Service and the NHS during his time in office.
He has not indicated immediate plans to return to the front bench, instead positioning himself as part of a wider discussion on the party’s direction ahead of the next General Election. 
The Prime Minister's office has not issued an immediate response to the resignation.
Political observers note the move adds to existing speculation about the future leadership of The Labour Party.
|
WHITEHALL EDITORAndy Gibson for InformingBritain.com ArchivesCategories
All
|
RSS Feed
