UK’s Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister

In a major political development, Starmer said he had accepted the message from within his party “with good grace” and would step down as leader of the Labour Party.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 22 June 2026, 3:30 PM IST

Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister (Img-X)

London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, saying the Labour Party no longer believes he is the right leader to take it into the next general election.

In a major political development, Starmer said he had accepted the message from within his party “with good grace” and would step down as leader of the Labour Party. His decision has now triggered a Labour leadership contest to choose his successor.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he had informed King Charles III about his decision and would remain in office until Labour chooses a new leader.

Starmer said the central question before the party was whether he remained the right person to lead Labour into the next general election. He said he had heard the party’s answer and accepted it “with good grace.”

Triggered a Labour leadership contest

The announcement has triggered a Labour leadership contest. Starmer has asked the party’s National Executive Committee to begin the process of electing his successor. Nominations for the contest are expected to open on July 9.

Starmer’s resignation comes just under two years after he led Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule in the UK.

However, his government later faced mounting challenges over the economy, public services, falling approval ratings and internal party divisions. Pressure on Starmer increased after a series of political setbacks and growing demands from within Labour for a change in leadership.

During his emotional speech, Starmer defended his record, saying he had worked to rebuild Labour and restore public trust in the party. He also described entering Downing Street after Labour’s election victory as the proudest moment of his life.

Attention will now turn to the Labour leadership race, with Andy Burnham being seen as one of the key names in the contest.

Starmer said he would continue to serve as prime minister during the transition and would support the next Labour leader to ensure an orderly handover.