Keir Starmer resigned as UK Prime Minister on 22 June 2026, leaving behind a tenure widely criticized as unprincipled and marked by broken promises. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy praised him as "principled" and "driven by a deep sense of public service," while Energy Secretary Ed Miliband highlighted his "great dignity and integrity." However, critics argue that Starmer was not a decent man defeated by circumstance but a politician who abandoned his commitments.
Abandoned Pledges and Deception
In his resignation speech, Starmer claimed Labour was "politically and morally bankrupt" when he took over. Yet he had served in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet, declared himself "100% behind" Corbyn, and praised his "radicalism." After becoming leader, Starmer suspended and later expelled Corbyn, denying they were ever friends. He promised tax hikes for the top 5%, public ownership of utilities, and abolition of tuition fees, but failed to deliver or did the opposite. In 2020, he told the BBC nationalisation would be in the manifesto, but later denied it, saying he only meant "common ownership."
Authoritarian Turn and Foreign Policy
Starmer suspended Labour MPs for criticizing Israel or opposing the two-child benefit cap, blocking leftwing candidates like Faiza Shaheen and Lauren Townsend. As a human rights lawyer, he stated Israel had a right to cut off power and water to Gaza, and Labour refused to back a ceasefire for nearly 20 weeks while tens of thousands were killed. One Labour official bragged about "shaking off the fleas" as Muslim councillors resigned. Labour finally backed a ceasefire after six months.
Competence and Scandals
Starmer's government scrapped the universal winter fuel payment, then partially U-turned after backlash. It targeted disability benefits before retreating again. Sue Gray, a senior civil servant, was briefed against and forced out. Starmer appointed Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US despite his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, prioritizing faction over country. Morgan McSweeney, his fixer, was eventually sacrificed.
Immigration and Rights
Once a campaigner for free movement, Starmer as PM declared immigration had done "incalculable damage" and risked turning Britain into an "island of strangers," building one of Europe's harshest asylum systems. ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Index rated Britain as having one of the worst records on trans rights in Europe, narrowly above Russia.
Legacy and Future
Starmer's government broke promises on housebuilding, austerity, and international aid. Thousands were arrested for holding placards after Palestine Action was proscribed as terrorists. Critics warn his premiership laid foundations for Nigel Farage's hard-right agenda. The next PM, Andy Burnham, must offer a decisive break from this failed agenda or face similar decline.
