Keir Starmer Resigns as UK Prime Minister After Two Years

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, bringing an end to a turbulent tenure that began with Labour’s landslide election victory two years ago. The decision follows months of political pressure, declining approval ratings and a series of setbacks in local elections.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer confirmed that he would step down as both Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party. He said he would remain in office in a caretaker capacity until the party selects a successor and indicated that the leadership transition should be completed before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.

Starmer revealed that he informed King Charles of his decision during a conversation on Monday morning. Reflecting on his leadership, he said he had taken charge of a Labour Party that was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt” and worked to restore public confidence in areas including the economy, defense and national security.

In his resignation address, Starmer stated: “Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially and morally bankrupt. I was told, time and time again, that my party was finished. 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, not against, our national flag.”

His announcement came one day after U.S. President Donald Trump referenced Starmer’s departure in a Truth Social post, criticizing the British leader over immigration and energy policies before any official resignation statement had been made.

Starmer said the Labour Party would open nominations for a new leader on July 9 and aims to complete the process by July 16. If only one candidate enters the race, the leadership could be decided without a contest. Should multiple candidates emerge, party members will vote to determine the next leader. Starmer said he expects a replacement to be in place before Parliament reconvenes in September.

Among the leading names being discussed as a successor is Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor who recently won a special election to become a Member of Parliament. Burnham, widely regarded as more left-leaning than the centrist Starmer, has emerged as a prominent contender for the party leadership.

Reaction from political opponents was swift. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch argued that the problems facing the government extended beyond Starmer personally and criticized Labour’s economic policies. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for an immediate general election, saying voters should have the opportunity to decide the country’s direction. Green Party co-leader Zach Polanski also criticized Starmer’s record, claiming the prime minister had failed to challenge entrenched political and economic interests while many Britons continued to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis.

Starmer’s resignation continues a period of instability at the top of British politics. Former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron remains the last U.K. leader to complete a full term in office. Since Cameron resigned following the 2016 Brexit referendum, the country has seen Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and now Starmer leave office before serving a complete term.