British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, ending a premiership of less than two years marked by policy reversals and declining public approval.
“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,” Starmer said, visibly emotional, in a statement outside 10 Downing Street.
Starmer confirmed he will remain as prime minister until a successor is chosen. The process to elect a new Labour leader will begin in July, with the aim of having a new prime minister in place before Parliament returns from 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 said.
Starmer’s main rival, veteran politician Andy Burnham, is set to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament on Monday after winning a crucial special election on Thursday. His return to the Commons clears the way for a leadership bid.
Until the weekend, Starmer had insisted he would fight on despite mounting pressure from multiple scandals and high-profile resignations. His government faced criticism over benefits cuts, defence spending plans, and the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson — a known associate of the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — as UK ambassador to Washington. That decision nearly forced Starmer out in March.
Labour’s position weakened further in May after the far-right, anti-immigration Reform UK party made gains in local elections.
Starmer’s departure means Britain is set to have its seventh prime minister in a decade. The announcement comes a day before the 10-year anniversary of the Brexit referendum, which triggered the UK’s exit from the European Union and a period of political instability.
Starmer was credited with reshaping Labour into an election-winning force, leading the party to a decisive victory in 2024 and ending 14 years of Conservative rule.
“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,” Starmer said.
The Labour Party is expected to release details of the leadership contest timetable later this week.
Source: Africa News
