Keir Starmer announces his resignation as prime minister and Labour Party leader

Sir Keir Starmer announced on July 5, 2024, that he will step down as the leader of the Labour Party and as the United Kingdom's prime minister. Speaking from Downing Street, Starmer stated his belief that he is not the most suitable person to guide the Labour Party through the upcoming general election. He has formally notified the King of his decision to resign. Starmer has requested that Labour's governing body initiate the process for a leadership contest. Nominations for the position are set to open on July 9 and will close by the summer recess on July 16. He anticipates that a new leader will be in place before Parliament resumes its sessions in September. Starmer pledged his full commitment to ensuring a smooth and orderly transfer of power during this transition period. He confirmed that he will continue to serve as prime minister until a successor is chosen. Starmer expressed his intention to offer "full and unequivocal support" to the incoming leader, emphasizing his confidence that they will inherit a nation that is "far stronger and fairer" than the one he took over two years prior. Starmer became Labour leader in April 2020 and prime minister on July 5, 2024, following Labour's victory in the general election. His departure marks the seventh change in UK prime minister since 2016.

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I accept that I am not best placed to lead the Labour Party into the next general election.