British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation after being pressured by his party due to missteps and errors that tarnished his voter support. Starmer, who won a landslide election victory two years ago, promised stable leadership and economic growth. He will remain as interim prime minister until the Labour Party selects a new leader.
Andy Burnham, former Greater Manchester mayor, is expected to be a strong candidate. Burnham confirmed his candidacy on social media, while his main rival, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, declared his support for Burnham. Burnham’s recent parliamentary by-election victory prompted Starmer’s decision. Having been outside Parliament for nearly a decade, Burnham is set to swear in as a legislator soon, making him eligible for party leadership.
Starmer is the sixth leader in a decade to prematurely exit 10 Downing Street. His resignation coincides with the tenth anniversary of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, a move still affecting the nation’s economy and politics. Despite his initial determination to retain his position, increasing pressure from his party led him to step down. Starmer guided the Labour Party to a significant election win in July 2024, but his and the party’s popularity have since declined.
Starmer spoke outside the official prime minister’s residence at 10 Downing St, where he delivered his first address as prime minister. His emotional resignation speech was observed by staff, cabinet ministers, and journalists. He acknowledged his party’s doubts about his ability to lead in the next general election, accepting their judgment with grace.
Starmer informed King Charles III, the UK constitutional monarch, about his decision. Following Burnham’s victory, Starmer spent the weekend contemplating his future. It’s uncertain whether Burnham will face any challengers, as nominations for leadership open on July 9. If unchallenged, Burnham could assume the role by mid-July, with a new leader in place by September 1 when Parliament resumes.
Despite his promises, Starmer struggled to deliver on economic growth and public service improvements. He faced criticism for appointing Peter Mandelson, a controversial figure, as the UK ambassador to the US. The Labour Party is losing liberal voters to the Green Party and facing competition from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.
US President Donald Trump linked Starmer’s resignation to his own complaints about immigration and energy policies. Trump suggested that Starmer failed in handling these issues. Starmer’s initially warm relationship with Trump cooled over matters including the UK’s stance on the Iran conflict.
Internationally, Starmer earned praise for rallying European support for Ukraine against Russian invasion and addressing economic and political challenges from the Iran conflict. The upcoming NATO summit in Turkey could mark his final international engagement as UK leader.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended Starmer on social media, acknowledging his rapid growth as a statesman and his contributions to European and Ukrainian security.
While many Labour lawmakers back Burnham, some believe Starmer’s treatment was unfair. London legislator Neil Coyle criticized the situation, suggesting that media and algorithmic biases contributed to Starmer’s challenges.
The story is based on reports from Associated Press journalists Danica Kirka in London and Sam McNeil in Brussels.