Starmer Announces Resignation, Labour to Choose New UK Leader by September

Keir Starmer said he would step down as Britain's prime minister after suffering a sharp decline in political support, paving the way for Andy Burnham to seek the Labour Party leadership, Joe Mayes, Chloe Chaplin and Ellen Milligan reported for Bloomberg News.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a statement announcing his decision to step down as Labour leader and prime minister. (Photo: Kristy O Connor, No 10 Downing Street Flickr)

In a dramatic announcement on Monday at Downing Street, Starmer said he would first resign as Labour leader, with nominations for a successor opening on July 9 and any leadership contest concluding before Parliament's summer recess ends on Sept. 1.

He said he would remain in office until the process is completed and would "ensure an orderly handover of power" to the winner.

"The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party," Starmer said, adding that he accepted its verdict with "good grace," according to additional reporting by Jacob Reid for Bloomberg News.

Starmer's departure could usher in Britain's fifth prime minister since 2022, a notable marker for a political system long associated with stability.

Burnham is widely viewed as a leading contender to succeed Starmer, particularly after defeating Reform UK in Makerfield, near Manchester.

Under Starmer, Nigel Farage's Reform UK had swept all available council seats in local elections in the same area just six weeks earlier.

Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned from Starmer's cabinet following the local election setbacks, has also indicated his intention to enter the leadership race.

Under Labour Party rules, candidates must secure the support of one-fifth of Labour's parliamentary members. It remains unclear whether Streeting can obtain the backing of 81 Members of Parliament required to challenge Burnham.