Sir Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister of the UK

Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister of the UK, amid mounting pressure against his position and an expected leadership challenge from Andy Burnham.

Starmer confirmed his resignation on the steps of Downing Street this morning (June 22), clarifying that he will remain as Prime Minister until a Labour leadership content has concluded.

The Prime Minister’s resignation comes days after Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election in Manchester, signalling his return to parliament and the start of a proposed leadership challenge which could see him become the next Prime Minister.

Speaking on the steps of No 10 Downing Street, Starmer said that the Labour Party had questioned whether he was the best man to lead the party into the next general election.

He said he had “heard the answer” of his party to that question and “accepts that answer with good grace”.

“Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour party,” he said.

Looking back on his two years as Prime Minister, Starmer said become PM two years ago was the proudest moment of his life.

Addressing critics, he said: “We proved those people wrong because we changed our party, ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence and national security, and becoming a party that once again stood proudly with God against our national flag.

“The hard work of change was with a singular purpose, not power for power’s sake, but to change Britain for the better, to build a fairer country with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen, everyone is valued, wealth and opportunity for all, not just the privileged few.”