Srinagar, Jun 22: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party, bowing to mounting pressure from within his party after weeks of political turmoil, according to various international media reports.
Starmer said he would remain as caretaker prime minister until the Labour Party elects a new leader, a process expected to conclude before Parliament reconvenes in September. He confirmed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision earlier in the day.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street alongside his wife, Starmer acknowledged that Labour MPs no longer believed he was the right person to lead the party into the next general election.
“The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question and I accept that answer with good grace. Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said.
According to media reports, Starmer’s resignation follows months of declining public approval, internal dissent and disappointing electoral performances, which intensified calls for a change in Labour’s leadership. His position became increasingly untenable after former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham returned to Parliament through a recent special election and emerged as the frontrunner to succeed him.
Reuters reported that despite securing a landslide general election victory in 2024, Starmer struggled to maintain support within his party amid concerns over the economy, public services and a series of political controversies. Analysts said his departure marks another chapter in the political instability that has characterised British politics in recent years.
