UK3 min(s) read
Published 08:39 22 Jun 2026 GMT
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has just resigned
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation sparking a leadership content in his party.
The Labour PM has been in charge for around two years since winning an historic landslide election victory, but now finds himself facing the exit door.
Newly-elected Makerfield MP Andy Burnham is expected to head the field for his job, although there will be other challengers from around the wider party.
Keir Starmer leaves Downing Street after almost two years
Despite several significant wins during his time in 10 Downing Street, and after inheriting a country in disarray following 14 years of unrest that saw Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson, David Cameron and Liz Truss all struggle as Conservative Prime Ministers, Starmer’s popularity has tanked in recent times.
The wave of optimism that saw Labour finally oust their longstanding rival party has quickly dissipated and left the party membership and wider British public unhappy with their leadership.
With the rise of Reform, led by Nigel Farage, and a recent heavy defeat for the government in the local elections in Britain, Starmer’s premiership has been the subject of much scrutiny and speculation about his position at the top.
With Mayor of Greater Manchester Burnham now an elected Member of Parliament and expected to take his seat in the House of Commons today, Starmer was believed by many to be on borrowed time, and he has taken the opportunity to end things on his own terms.
Speaking at the lectern outside the PM’s official residence, he said that he would leave the ‘biggest job in the country’ to take more time for the ‘most important job’.
He added: "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 that I can be to two beautiful children, who are my pride and joy.”
The visibly emotional Labour leader also pledged his full support to whoever follows him in the role, as well as thanking his colleagues and friends, as well as the ‘extraordinary civil service’.
What happens now?
A leadership election will take place, with a decision set to be made before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
After speaking to the National Executive Committee of his party, Starmer has asked for a leadership content to be held with nominations opening on July 9.
That will mean that the content should be concluded no later than the date that MPs break up for their summer holidays.
Until then, Starmer will remain as Prime Minister.