Keir Starmer Resigns as UK Prime Minister After Revolt

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday that he will resign as Labour leader. His exit sets up a contest to choose Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, he said he would stay on as caretaker until the party chooses his replacement.

“I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision,” — Keir Starmer

The decision came after he asked ministers whether he was still the right person to fight the next election. He didn’t like the answer. “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question,” he said. “And I accept that answer with good grace.”

Nominations for a new leader open July 9. Starmer said he expects a successor in place by September, when Parliament returns from its summer break.

The pressure had been building for weeks. More than 80 Labour MPs publicly called on him to go, according to Fox News, and the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey — a longtime ally — over military spending proved close to fatal.

Andy Burnham moved quickly. The former Greater Manchester mayor confirmed his leadership bid within hours of Starmer’s statement, days after winning a by-election June 18 with 54.8% of the vote to return to Parliament. Wes Streeting, who quit as health secretary in May, backed him the same day. Burnham is now the clear front-runner.

To enter the race, candidates need 20% of Labour MPs behind them. If Burnham is the only one who clears that bar, the party can hand him the job without a members’ vote.

And because Labour still commands a large Commons majority, whoever wins becomes prime minister — no general election required.

Starmer led Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, winning a majority of 172 seats and ending 14 years of Conservative government. His standing fell sharply afterward following policy reversals, scandals and heavy local election losses.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that Starmer would resign, criticizing him on immigration and energy. Trump made the post before Starmer’s announcement.