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.
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.
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.
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