Politics Home Article | Keir Starmer Announces He Will Resign As PM This Summer

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Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on Monday morning, Starmer said he had accepted the wishes of Labour MPs with “good grace” and that he would help facilitate an “orderly transition” for his successor.

Starmer said he had informed the King this morning that he had resigned as Labour Party leader, triggering a process to replace him that will begin in early July.

Andy Burnham, who won a landslide victory at last week’s Makerfield by-election, is expected to take over.

In an address to the nation, Starmer said “the question” his party was now asking was who was best placed to lead it into the next general election, and that the answer was no longer him.

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

Starmer said entering No 10 two years after winning the 2024 general election was the “proudest moment of my life”.

“A new Labour government. The first in 14 years. A page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair. The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better.

“That’s what I came into politics for.”

He added: “I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office.”

Starmer’s position has been under pressure for months, with painful local election results and his handling of the Lord Mandelson affair prompting Labour MPs to question his leadership.

The pressure reached new heights last week when leadership rival Burnham pulled off a landslide victory in the Makerfield by-election.

Starmer had insisted until recently that he would “fight” any challenge to his leadership and not “walk away” from his job.

However, that position shifted over the weekend, with cabinet minister Peter Kyle saying on Sunday that the PM was reflecting on the “political realities” facing him.

Burnham is supported by many Labour MPs and is expected to eventually take over as PM.

The incoming MP for Makerfield is due to arrive in Westminster today after securing his return to the House of Commons last week.

While many Labour MPs would like Burnham to take over unchallenged, others would prefer a leadership contest, particularly those who are sceptical about the former Manchester mayor running the country.

Former health secretary Wes Streeting has previously said he would stand in a leadership contest.

Starmer became Labour Party leader in 2020 and led the party to its first general election victory in nearly two decades in 2024.

His resignation means the UK will soon have its seventh prime minister in a decade.

He finished his speech by paying tribute to his family.

“When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.”