British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that he will resign as leader of the Labour Party, while remaining prime minister until a successor is elected.
Starmer said he had informed King Charles III of his decision. He added, “I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening on the 9th of July and completed by the summer recess. In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.”
He said he would remain in office until the leadership contest is completed and pledged his “full and unequivocal support” to his successor to ensure an orderly transition of power.
Starmer said the key question facing Labour was no longer who was best placed to rebuild the party and return it to government, but whether he was the right person to lead it into the next general election.
He said he had accepted the view of the parliamentary party on that question “with good grace” and, citing his commitment to putting the country first, announced that he would resign as Labour Party leader.
Defending his record in government, Starmer highlighted what he described as major achievements during Labour’s first two years in office, including stronger economic growth, wages rising faster than inflation, increased infrastructure investment, reduced NHS waiting lists, expanded workers’ and renters’ rights, higher defence spending and measures aimed at reducing child poverty.
He also pointed to Britain’s renewed international standing, citing trade agreements, support for Ukraine and efforts to rebuild ties with European allies.
Starmer thanked colleagues, civil servants and Labour supporters for their backing during his leadership and said he looked forward to spending more time with his family after leaving office.
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First Published: Jun 22, 2026 2:09 PM IST