British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, saying he had informed King Charles III of his decision and triggered a Labour leadership contest.
The move follows a decisive by-election victory by Andy Burnham in Makerfield, a result that strengthened his position within the Labour Party and increased pressure on Starmer’s leadership.
Speaking outside Downing Street, Starmer said Labour’s National Executive Committee would open nominations for the leadership race until July 9, with the process expected to conclude before Parliament’s summer recess. He pledged to remain in office until a successor is chosen to ensure an orderly transition.
Starmer’s departure comes less than two years after Labour secured a large parliamentary majority in the 2024 general election. Despite that mandate, his government struggled to maintain momentum, facing setbacks in local elections, mounting internal criticism, several political controversies and a series of policy reversals.
The leadership contest is expected to determine Labour’s future direction, with Burnham emerging as a leading contender to replace Starmer.
via Politico
