Starmer confirms he will step down
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced he will resign as leader of the Labour Party, bringing his premiership to an end less than two years after securing a historic general election victory.
Speaking outside Downing Street on Monday, Starmer said he accepted “with good grace” that he was no longer the best person to lead Labour into the next general election.
“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace,” he said.
Starmer confirmed he had informed King Charles III of his decision earlier in the day.
Pressure mounted after election setbacks
The announcement follows days of mounting pressure from Labour MPs and senior cabinet ministers, who had reportedly urged Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure.
His position became increasingly uncertain after Labour’s disappointing local election results and the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster following his victory in the Makerfield by-election.
Starmer had previously vowed to fight any leadership challenge, but acknowledged that the party had reached a different conclusion.
Leadership contest to begin in July
Starmer said he would ask Labour’s National Executive Committee to begin the leadership process, with nominations opening on 9 July.
If only one candidate is nominated, a new Labour leader and prime minister could take office before Parliament begins its summer recess in mid-July.
Should a leadership contest be required, Starmer said it would be completed before Parliament returns in September, allowing for an orderly transfer of power.
He confirmed he will remain prime minister until his successor has been chosen.
Reflects on time in office
During his resignation statement, Starmer described becoming prime minister as the proudest moment of his life and reflected on Labour’s return to power after 14 years in opposition.
He defended his leadership, saying he had rebuilt the party by restoring public trust and tackling issues including antisemitism, the economy and national security.
Starmer said every decision he had made as prime minister was guided by what he believed was in the country’s best interests.
Source: Adapted from The Guardian’s live coverage.
Also read: Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to resign
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