Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) and Leader of the Labour Party.
In a statement at 10, Downing Street, official residence and office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Starmer says, his Party has been questioning whether he’s “best placed to lead us into the next general election”, adding: “I have heard the answer”.
Starmer says, every decisions he has made in Office has been about “putting the country I love first”. He emotionally expressed his gratitude to his “fantastic wife”, Victoria Starmer, whom he describes as his “rock”; he adds, he wants to be the “best dad I can to my beautiful children”
He is expected to remain in Office until the Labour Party picks a new Leader. Starmer asked the governing body of the Party to ensure a new Leader is picked “before Parliament returns in September”.
A possible replacement for Starmer, Andy Burnham, will be present in Westminster on Monday, to be sworn in as MP for Makerfield, after emerging winner in the by-election last week.
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Lucy Powell, said on X, Starmer’s resignation has made the Party “electable again”, thanking him for “all that he has done for our Party and country”.
In a statement, Lucy Powell said: “As a Party, we owe Keir Starmer a huge amount. He made us electable again, and led us to a landslide election win only two years ago. He has overseen important achievements since then.
“I have seen up close a man who loves his country, with a deep sense of public service and duty. That character has re-set our standing on the world stage.
“He has announced his resignation with dignity, putting the country’s interest first. I thank Keir for all that he has done for our Party and country.
“We must now come together as a Party, choose a new leader, and show the country that we can do orderly transition well. That requires us to all behave with respect and humility, and show the best of ourselves.
“We have to show that mainstream progressive politics can change people’s lives for the better, and is up to the task of the challenges we all face. If we fail the consequences for democracy and the country are great and dangerous.
“The NEC will shortly set out the process.”
Photo: Keir Starmer
