UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer Resigns Less Than Two Years in Office
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced his resignation after less than two years in office, bringing to an end a turbulent tenure marked by policy reversals, political controversies and declining public support.
In an emotional address outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he was stepping down as leader of the Labour Party, insisting that his decisions in office had been guided by the national interest.
“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said.
Starmer disclosed that the process of selecting a new Labour leader would begin in July. He said he would remain prime minister until a successor is chosen, with the transition expected to be completed before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
“I will remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” he added.
His resignation comes despite repeated assurances in recent months that he intended to remain in office and fight off growing calls for his departure. The pressure on his administration intensified following a series of scandals, policy setbacks and high-profile resignations within the governing Labour Party.
Britain is now set to welcome its seventh prime minister in a decade, underscoring the political instability that has characterised much of the country’s recent history.
The announcement also comes a day before the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Brexit referendum, a historic vote that led to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union and triggered a succession of leadership changes in British politics.
Starmer, who led Labour to a decisive victory in the 2024 general election, was widely credited with rebuilding the party and ending 14 years of Conservative rule. However, his administration struggled to maintain momentum amid criticism over welfare reforms, defence spending plans and broader economic challenges.
His leadership was further weakened in March following backlash over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Washington, a move that generated significant controversy.
The prime minister also faced increasing political pressure from the rise of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, which made substantial gains in local elections held in May.
Meanwhile, veteran Labour politician Andy Burnham is expected to emerge as a leading contender for the party leadership after securing victory in a crucial by-election that paved the way for his return to Parliament.
In his farewell remarks, Starmer pledged his full support to whoever succeeds him.
“I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago,” he said.