Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation on the steps of Downing Street and set out a timeline for a new Prime Minister to take over by September. An emotional Sir Keir said his party had asked 'whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election' after weeks of immense pressure over dire poll ratings and a series of damaging mistakes.
Resignation announcement and timeline
Speaking in front of Number 10, the current Prime Minister said 'I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.' Sir Keir spoke to the King this morning to inform him he was resigning as leader of the Labour Party. A new leader will be in place by September, clearing the way for Andy Burnham to take over after he is sworn in as an MP later today following his victory over Reform in the Makerfield by-election last week.
Defence of his tenure
Starmer's speech also included a fiery defence of his time in charge, saying he had 'delivered change' on the economy, NHS and in cutting immigration. He fought back tears as he told the nation: 'Every decision I've taken has been about putting the country I love first.' In a throwback to Theresa May's speech seven years ago, the tears came right at the end. He said: 'I shall spend more time on the most important job. Being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side, through good times and bad. And being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.'
What happens next
The resignation triggers a Labour Party leadership contest, with Andy Burnham widely expected to succeed Starmer after his by-election win. The new leader must be in place by September, according to Starmer's statement. The announcement comes after weeks of intense pressure over poor polling numbers and a series of political missteps that eroded support within the party.
