United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has formally tendered his resignation to King Charles III, bringing an end to his tenure as head of government and clearing the way for a new administration.
Starmer officially stepped down after travelling to Buckingham Palace, where he met with King Charles III to formally submit his resignation in line with Britain’s constitutional tradition.
The monarch accepted the resignation before inviting Labour Party leader-elect Andy Burnham to form a new government.
In a farewell address outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer defended his record in office, saying he was proud to leave Britain in a stronger position than when he assumed office.
He highlighted his government’s achievements in strengthening workers’ rights, reducing child poverty, improving public services and enhancing national security.
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“The test of any prime minister is whether you leave your country in a better place than you found it. I’m proud that the answer is yes,” Starmer said before departing for Buckingham Palace.
His resignation follows weeks of mounting political pressure within the governing Labour Party after disappointing election results and declining public support.
The leadership transition is expected to usher in a new phase for the party under Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, who secured overwhelming backing to become Labour leader.
Following Starmer’s resignation, Burnham was invited by King Charles III to form a government and is expected to announce his Cabinet after officially taking office.
In his first remarks as incoming prime minister, Burnham pledged to restore politica stability, improve living standards and pursue long-term reforms aimed at addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.
The transition marks another significant change in British politics, with Burnham becoming the United Kingdom’s seventh prime minister in a decade as the country seeks renewed political stability amid economic and international challenges