British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his decision to step down as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, setting the stage for a leadership contest to choose his successor.

In a statement issued on Monday, June 22, 2026, Starmer said he had informed King Charles III of his decision and would remain in office until a new Labour leader is elected and formally assumes the premiership.

His resignation comes less than two years after leading Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election. The announcement follows weeks of mounting pressure within the governing party, amid disappointing local election results and growing concerns among Labour MPs over the party’s direction.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expected to resign on Monday – Reports

In his resignation address, Starmer acknowledged that many within Labour no longer viewed him as the best person to lead the party into the next general election.

Nevertheless, he defended his record in office, citing efforts to rebuild the party, restore public confidence, and strengthen the United Kingdom’s economic and national security foundations.

Starmer’s resignation has now opened the race to succeed him, with Andy Burnham widely tipped as an early frontrunner. Several other senior Labour figures are also expected to enter the contest as the party begins the process of selecting its next leader.

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