Keir Starmer announces resignation as UK PM and Labour leader amid party pressure

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday (June 22) announced that he will resign as the PM and leader of the Labour Party. The development comes amid intensifying demand from within the party seeking his resignation.

Starmer announces exit

Starmer made the announcement while speaking to reporters after stepping out of 10 Downing Street with his wife.

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He reflected on arriving at Downing Street two years ago, describing it as "the proudest moment" of his life. He said his decision to enter politics had always been driven by a desire to improve the lives of millions across the country.

Confirming that he would step down, Starmer said he had already informed King Charles of his decision.

Looking back at tenure

Addressing the pressure that led to his departure, Starmer said he accepted the verdict of his party and would leave the role without bitterness.

As for concerns over his leadership ahead of the next election, he said, “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,” reported The Guardian.

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He said he had listened to the view expressed by Labour MPs and was prepared to abide by their judgment. “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace,” he added as quoted by ANI.

Accepts party's verdict

Starmer said every major choice he made as leader had been guided by what he believed was best for the country. “Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour party,” he said.

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“I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision,” he added.

Starmer said arrangements were already being put in motion to select a new Labour leader ahead of Parliament's return after the summer break. He confirmed that the party's governing body would oversee the process in the coming weeks.

Succession process underway

Outlining the transition plan, he said, “I will ask the Labour National Executive to start the process to ensure a new leader is in place before the next Parliament session in September.”

He also sought to reassure supporters that the party would remain in a strong position after his departure.

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Expressing confidence in whoever succeeds him, Starmer said, “I will give my successor the full support knowing that they will inherit a stronger Britain to ensure labour gets a second term.”

He went on to thank party members and colleagues who had backed him during his time in office.

“I want to thank all my colleagues for their support,” he said.

Message to supporters

The Prime Minister became visibly emotional as he turned to his family, paying tribute to his wife Victoria for standing by him throughout his political career.

Describing her support, Starmer said she had been “being a rock by my side in good times and bad.”

Looking ahead to life outside Downing Street, he said, “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.”

He added that being “the best dad I can” to his children would remain his top priority.