MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns, clearing the way for Andy Burnham

The pressure on Starmer intensified after Burnham returned to Parliament by winning the Makerfield by-election, in northern England

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday his resignation as leader of the Labour Party, a decision that clears the way for the former mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to succeed him at the head of the party and the government. Starmer, who announced the move after losing the support of his parliamentary group, will remain as caretaker prime minister until a new leader is chosen.

“I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision,” Starmer said to the media outside his Downing Street residence. He explained that he took the decision after asking his ministers whether he was the most suitable person to lead Labour into the next general election. “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace,” he said. The announcement contrasted with his stance on Friday, when he had vowed to “stand and fight” in any internal contest.

The pressure on Starmer intensified after Burnham returned to Parliament by winning the Makerfield by-election, in northern England, on June 18. Burnham, who had planned to challenge him for the leadership, is the overwhelming favorite to succeed him. In the preceding weeks, Health Secretary Wes Streeting had resigned —criticizing the prime minister's “indecision”— and Defense Secretary John Healey had quit over a dispute on military funding; several ministers had asked him to set a departure timetable.

The process to choose the new leader, who will also be prime minister, will open nominations on July 9 and be completed before the summer parliamentary recess; if there is more than one candidate, the vote would be resolved around September. Candidates need the backing of 20% of Labour lawmakers. Starmer promised his successor “full and unequivocal” support and said they would inherit “a Britain that is stronger and fairer” than the one he received two years ago.

The departure marks the seventh leadership change in the United Kingdom in a decade and a steep fall for a leader who won a landslide in 2024. His tenure was eroded by discontent over fiscal policy, welfare-system reforms and the scandal over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States. An Ipsos poll released on Friday indicated that 52% of Britons believed he should leave office. His relationship with US President Donald Trump had cooled over the decision to keep the United Kingdom out of the Iran war, a stance that even his detractors called brave. Starmer, 63, said he would now focus on being “the best husband” and “the best father” he can.