What happens now as Sir Keir Starmer resigns as PM?

Sir Keir had previously insisted he would fight a leadership challenge before the by-election. 

The Labour Prime Minister won the 2024 general election, in a landslide victory for the party. 

However, today (June 22), Sir Keir told the nation that he would be resigning.

Watch live: My statement. https://t.co/MX7ga3FRGq

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 22, 2026

Sir Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister

This morning, Sir Keir Starmer stepped out of Downing Street accompanied by his wife Victoria to cheers and applause from his team.

In his resignation speech, Sir Keir said he will resign as leader of the Labour Party, and he has informed the King of his decision.

He began to get emotional as he thanked his wife Victoria and spoke about his children who are his “pride and joy”.

What happens now that Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister? 

Following Sir Keir’s resignation, a Labour leadership race will take place within the coming weeks.

Until the next Prime Minister is confirmed, Sir Keir will continue in the role.

The Party will choose its next leader and the next occupant of 10 Downing Street.

When it comes to entering the contest, Labour’s rules mean even getting onto the ballot can be a complex process, the Press Association says.

First, candidates must secure the backing of 81 Labour MPs, 20% of the party’s parliamentary strength.

They then need to receive nominations from either 5% of constituency Labour parties, or three affiliated organisations (which must include two trade unions) which represent 5% of affiliated membership.

Only after passing those two stages will candidates go before the party membership.

Sir Keir Starmer in profile

Who could be the next Prime Minister?

Andy Burnham’s decision to stand in the Makerfield by-election – giving up the Greater Manchester mayoralty to become an MP – suggests he believes he has the necessary backing from the parliamentary party to get onto the ballot.

Former health secretary Wes Streeting has repeatedly insisted he has the 81 names required to mount a leadership bid, and has spent the weeks since his resignation setting out his stall.

Former Royal Marines officer Al Carns, who quit as armed forces minister in a row over defence funding and the treatment of Northern Ireland veterans, has also hinted he would seek to enter a leadership race, although it is unclear whether the MP, who was only elected in 2024, has the supporters required to get on the ballot paper.

Has a UK Prime Minister resigned before? 

Prime Ministers resigning is a regular occurrence in UK politics. 

Labour PM Tony Blair resigned in 2007, while his successors David Cameron, Theresa May, and Boris Johnson all stepped down from their posts. 

Boris Johnson was forced to resign after the partygate scandal, and other events turned the public and much of his own party against his premiership. 

In 2022, Liz Truss became the UK’s shortest-serving PM after being in the role for just 45 days before she stepped down.

Who would you like to see be the next Prime Minister? Tell us in the comments below.