Starmer resigns as Labour leader, successor expected by September

Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Labour leader, ending his tenure in Downing Street. He stated he will remain as UK prime minister until his successor is in place.

Pressure had been mounting on Starmer due to low approval ratings for both himself and the Labour party. A scandal over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador resurfaced earlier this year following the release of documents by the US Department of Justice, further destabilizing his premiership.

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he has said he will stay on as UK prime minister until his successor is in place.

A significant blow came with a damaging by-election defeat in February, where Labour lost a traditionally safe seat to the Green Party after Starmer blocked Burnham from standing. This led to local and national elections in May becoming a critical test of his leadership. The results were devastating, exceeding the party's worst fears, and prompted Wes Streeting to resign as health secretary, along with several junior ministers.

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the party says it will be agreed "shortly."

Despite these setbacks, Starmer initially intended to contest any leadership challenge. However, after Burnham's election victory, Starmer concluded over the weekend that Labour MPs desired a different leader for the next general election. A long-simmering dispute over defense spending also contributed to his declining authority, leading to John Healey's resignation as defense secretary earlier this month.

The official timetable for the Labour leadership contest has not yet been released, but the party indicated it would be agreed "shortly." Starmer proposed that nominations for a new leader open on July 9 and close on July 16, just as Parliament begins its summer recess. Labour's rules require contenders to be nominated by 81 Labour MPs, limiting the field to a few candidates. Nominated contenders must then secure support from at least 32 of Labour's 634 local branches or three affiliated organizations, including two trade unions. Following this, a vote will take place among party members and affiliated trade union supporters, likely accompanied by hustings and TV debates throughout the summer. Starmer suggested a new leader could be in place by September 1, when Parliament reconvenes.

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contenders have to be nominated by 81 Labour MPs to stand, limiting the potential pool of candidates to four.

However, it remains unclear if a vote will be necessary. Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has confirmed his intention to run for leadership. Meanwhile, former health secretary Wes Streeting, considered a potential rival, has withdrawn his candidacy and pledged support to Burnham.

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a new leader should be in place by the time Parliament returns from its summer break on 1 September.