Keir Starmer Steps Down as UK Prime Minister and Labour Leader

Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party, ending his tenure less than two years after leading Labour to a historic election win.

Speaking on Monday, June 22, Starmer said he had accepted the position of his parliamentary party after mounting pressure over his leadership. He noted that while the question of whether he could return Labour to power had been settled, the party was now questioning if he should lead it into the next general election.

“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. And I accept that answer with good grace,” Starmer said.

*Putting Country First*

The outgoing Prime Minister stressed that his decisions in office had been driven by national interest. “Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first,” he stated.

Starmer confirmed he had already informed King Charles III of his decision and will initiate steps to elect a new Labour leader.

*Leadership Race Timeline*

He said he would ask Labour’s National Executive Committee to set a timetable for the contest. Nominations are expected to open on July 9 and wrap up before Parliament breaks for summer recess.

*Short Tenure Ends*

Starmer’s resignation comes after months of political strain, falling approval ratings, and internal calls for new leadership. Senior Labour figures had reportedly questioned whether he remained the party’s strongest candidate going forward.

His exit follows a landslide 2024 victory that ended 14 years of Conservative government.

The leadership contest will now decide both Labour’s next leader and the UK’s next Prime Minister, with potential candidates expected to declare in the coming weeks.