British Prime Minister has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party, bringing an end to a turbulent tenure marked by policy reversals, political controversies and declining public support.
Starmer made the announcement on Monday in an emotional address outside 10 Downing Street, saying every decision he took while in office was guided by what he believed was in the best interest of the United Kingdom.
“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.
The outgoing prime minister disclosed that the process of selecting a new Labour Party leader will begin in July. He will remain in office until a successor is chosen, with the transition expected to be completed before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September, The News Edition reports.
Starmer pledged to ensure a smooth transfer of power and promised to support whoever emerges as the party’s next leader.
“I will remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” he stated.
Attention has already shifted to , who is widely regarded as a leading contender for the Labour leadership after securing victory in a crucial special election that paved the way for his return to Parliament.
Until recently, Starmer had repeatedly dismissed calls for his resignation despite mounting pressure from within his party and a series of political setbacks that weakened his administration.
His resignation comes less than two years after leading Labour to a decisive victory in the 2024 general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.
While Starmer was credited with rebuilding Labour into an election-winning force, his government faced growing criticism over controversial policy decisions, including welfare reforms and defence spending plans.
His administration also came under scrutiny following the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to Washington, a move that sparked widespread criticism and intensified calls for his removal.
Adding to Labour’s challenges was the growing popularity of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, which made significant gains in recent local elections and further eroded confidence in Starmer’s leadership.
The resignation marks another chapter in the United Kingdom’s recent history of political instability and leadership turnover, with the country now set to welcome its seventh prime minister in a decade.
“I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago,” Starmer added.