Starmer resigns after party revolt; Burnham readies bid

Starmer resigns – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday he will resign, saying he will remain caretaker until Labour selects a new leader. The decision follows growing pressure after Burnham won a special election last week, and Burnham has confirmed he will seek

Outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, Keir Starmer looked as if he’d run out of room to keep his case going.

His voice choked with emotion near the end of a brief statement watched by staff. Cabinet ministers and scores of journalists. He told the country that the question his parliamentary party is asking now is whether he is best placed to lead Labour into the next general election—and that he accepted the answer with good grace.

Starmer said he will resign as prime minister, forced out by his own party after missteps and mistakes that soured voters’ goodwill for a leader who won a landslide election victory in July 2024 on promises of steady leadership and economic growth.

He will remain as caretaker prime minister until Labour chooses a new leader. Expectations are growing that the choice will be former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Burnham confirmed in a social media post that “I will put myself forward as part of this process.” Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who was considered Burnham’s main rival for the top job, said he will back Burnham.

The timing is tied to Burnham’s breakthrough in Parliament: Burnham’s victory in a special parliamentary election last week triggered Starmer’s decision to step aside. After nearly a decade out of Parliament as mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham returns to Westminster and will be sworn in as a lawmaker later on Monday.

Only members of Parliament can stand for the party leadership.

Streeting’s backing makes it more likely Burnham will be selected without a leadership contest.

Starmer said he spoke to King Charles III to inform him of his decision.

The clock on the leadership race

Starmer opened the door to a formal process, telling the public that nominations for a leadership contest will open on July 9, with the new leader expected to be in place by the time Parliament returns from its summer break on Sept. 1.

If Burnham is the only candidate, the change could come by mid-July.

For voters, the resignation lands at a sensitive moment. Starmer’s announcement comes the day before Britain marks the 10th anniversary of its vote to leave the European Union, a decision that continues to roil the country’s economy and politics.

Starmer’s era began with a different promise

Two years ago, Starmer delivered his first speech as prime minister from the same spot outside his official 10 Downing Street residence. Now, the departure reflects how quickly early confidence has faded.

Starmer has struggled to deliver promised economic growth, repair tattered public services, and ease the cost of living. His critics point to repeated missteps. including his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson. described as a scandal-tarnished friend of Jeffrey Epstein. as the U.K. ambassador to the United States.

Labour’s political problems have also sharpened. The party is losing liberal voters to the Green Party and facing a rising Reform UK, the Nigel Farage–led anti-immigration party that consistently leads in nationwide opinion polls.

Even before Starmer’s announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in, linking Starmer’s potential exit to two recurring bugbears: immigration and renewable energy. Trump posted on his social media platform: “Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom. He failed badly on two very important subjects- IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well!. President DJT.”.

Trump and Starmer’s previously warm relationship has soured in recent months over issues including the Iran war, which the U.K. did not join.

Praise abroad, anger at home

Internationally, Starmer has earned praise that sharply contrasts with his domestic slide.

He rallied European support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion, and he worked to mitigate the economic and political turmoil unleashed by the Iran conflict.

A NATO summit in Turkey next month may be his last major appearance on the world stage as Britain’s leader.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Starmer’s legacy, writing on X: “It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years. European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you. Thank you, dear Keir.”

Back home, even some Labour lawmakers who have rallied behind Burnham have also argued that Starmer was treated unfairly.

London legislator Neil Coyle railed on X against “the prospect of an utter stitch-up & the media circus being rewarded.” He wrote: “When the next leader cannot change Trump. Iran. Ukraine. Putin. Musk. broadcast editorial & algorithm bias overnight they’ll bay for his blood too. Better keep that guillotine sharp.”.

Starmer becomes the sixth prime minister in a decade to stand outside 10 Downing Street and announce a premature departure. His decision now funnels Labour into a leadership reckoning just as Britain marks another turning point in its relationship with Europe—and as supporters and critics alike brace for what changes when the person in charge changes.

Keir Starmer Andy Burnham Wes Streeting Labour Party leadership 10 Downing Street United Kingdom politics Brexit anniversary immigration Donald Trump NATO summit Turkey Ursula von der Leyen