Starmer resigns as UK prime minister, extending years of political turmoil

British prime minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation after weeks of growing pressure from within his own Labour Party, less than two years after winning a landslide election victory.

Starmer said he would remain in office until Labour chooses a new leader, likely by September. His departure means the UK is set to have its seventh prime minister in just ten years, highlighting the political instability that has continued since the 2016 Brexit referendum.

The prime minister had faced mounting criticism after poor election results for Labour in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as growing unrest among senior ministers and MPs. Several cabinet members had privately urged him to step aside.

In a speech outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer defended his record, pointing to economic growth, shorter NHS waiting lists, higher defence spending, stronger workers’ rights and support for Ukraine. However, he accepted that many in his party no longer believed he was the right person to lead Labour into the next general election.

The leading contender to replace him is Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, who recently returned to Parliament after a strong by-election victory. Former Health secretary Wes Streeting has also expressed interest in the leadership.

Starmer informed King Charles of his decision on Monday morning and promised to support his successor.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen praised Starmer’s efforts to rebuild UK-EU relations after Brexit and his backing for Ukraine.

His resignation adds another chapter to a decade of political upheaval in Britain. Since the Brexit vote, the country has seen a rapid turnover of leaders from both major parties amid wider frustrations over economic growth, public finances and living standards.

​^{PM Keir Starmer outside 10 Downing Street © NICHOLLS / AFP}