UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Resignation Ahead of Labour Leadership Contest
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he will step down as caretaker leader, with Labour expected to select former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham as his successor.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he will resign, remaining in a caretaker role until the Labour Party elects a new leader. The decision follows a recent special parliamentary election in which former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham secured a seat, prompting speculation that he will be the party’s next leader. Burnham confirmed on social media that he will put his name forward, and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he will support Burnham’s candidacy.
Starmer said he had consulted with his parliamentary party and accepted their view that a change in leadership was needed for the next general election. He also informed King Charles III of his decision. Nominations for the leadership contest are set to open on July 9, with a new leader expected by early September, or possibly as early as mid-July if Burnham runs unopposed.
Since winning a landslide election in July 2024, Starmer’s government has faced challenges delivering its economic and public-service pledges, and Labour’s poll numbers have declined. Internationally, Starmer has been praised for his support of Ukraine and for engaging European partners on security issues.
Analysts note that Burnham is viewed by many Labour MPs as a candidate who could improve the party’s prospects against the Reform UK party in the next election, though some caution that a leadership change does not guarantee a shift in policy direction.