Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister: Why he quit and what happens next for Labour

Keir Starmer said Monday he’s quitting as UK PM and Labour leader. He’d been under growing pressure from inside his own party for a while, and it looks like it finally got to him.

The move marks a major political setback for the Labour government just two years after it secured a sweeping electoral victory. Starmer said he had accepted the verdict of party colleagues who no longer believed he was the right person to lead Labour into the next general election.

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Speaking about his decision, Starmer said questions over his leadership had become impossible to ignore.

“I know the question being asked now is, who is best charged to take labour forward. The question the party is asking is if I am best placed to lead party into the next election…I have heard that answer from my party colleagues, and I accept,” he said.

The outgoing prime minister said he had informed King Charles III of his decision and requested the Labour National Executive Committee to begin the process of selecting a successor.

“Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision,” Starmer said.

Labour leadership race to begin in July

Labour’s National Executive Committee will oversee the leadership contest. Nominations are scheduled to open on July 9 and close on July 16, ahead of Parliament’s summer recess.

According to the proposed timetable, the party intends to have a new leader in place before lawmakers return for the next parliamentary session in September.

Starmer said he would fully support the next Labour leader and expressed confidence in the party’s future.

“I will give my successor the full support knowing that they will inherit a stronger Britain to ensure labour gets a second term,” he said.

Internal pressure mounted over recent months

Pressure on Starmer had intensified in recent months as criticism of his leadership grew within Labour.

The pressure on Starmer grew further after Labour rival Andy Burnham secured a parliamentary seat, fuelling fresh speculation about who could lead the party next.

His troubles were compounded by disappointing local election results and criticism over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s envoy to the United States.

Following discussions with cabinet ministers, advisers, donors and trade union leaders, Starmer concluded that remaining in office was no longer a viable option.

Emotional farewell to family

During his remarks, Starmer thanked his wife Victoria for supporting him throughout his political career.

“Being a rock by my side in good times and bad,” he said.

The prime minister also spoke about spending more time with his family after leaving office.

“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. And being the best dad I can to my beautiful children who are my pride and joy,” he said.

The resignation leaves the UK government facing another leadership transition. The country is now set to see its sixth prime minister in seven years.