UK Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he is stepping down from both positions, stating that he accepts the judgement of his parliamentary colleagues following mounting pressure over his leadership.
Speaking on Monday, June 22, Starmer said discussions about whether he was the right person to return Labour to government had been resolved.
However, he noted that attention had shifted to whether he remained the best candidate to lead the party into the next general election.
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“I have listened to the views of my parliamentary party, and I accept their decision with respect,” he said.
Starmer emphasised that throughout his time in office, his priority had always been serving the interests of the country.
“Every decision I have made has been guided by what I believe is best for the nation,” he stated.
The outgoing prime minister revealed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision and would now oversee the process of choosing a new Labour leader.
“I spoke with His Majesty the King this morning to notify him of my resignation,” Starmer said.
He further disclosed that he would ask the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee to set a timetable for the leadership race.
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Nominations are expected to open on July 9, with the contest scheduled to conclude before Parliament breaks for the summer.
Starmer’s resignation comes less than two years after he led Labour to a decisive election victory, bringing an end to 14 years of Conservative government.
His departure follows months of declining public support, internal party pressure, and increasing calls for new leadership. Reports in recent months suggested that several senior Labour figures and MPs had begun questioning whether Starmer remained the party’s strongest option for the next election.
The resignation paves the way for a leadership contest that will determine both Labour’s next leader and the United Kingdom’s next prime minister.
Several potential candidates are expected to enter the race in the coming weeks as the party begins the process of selecting Starmer’s successor.