UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign before September

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his intention to resign from his post before September, following a crushing defeat for the ruling Labour Party in local elections last month. The announcement came during a press conference held outside the Prime Minister's Office in London.

Starmer informed the King of his decision and has requested the Labour Party's National Executive Committee to schedule a leadership contest. He aims to ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament reconvenes in September. The Labour Party suffered substantial losses in the recent local elections, securing only about 21% of all local council seats, a significant drop in support since the 2024 general election.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who recently returned to Parliament after winning a by-election, is widely seen as the frontrunner to replace Starmer. Burnham, a prominent figure within the Labour Party, has garnered support from moderate left-wing members. Other potential candidates include former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. Starmer's resignation comes after less than two years in office, marking another period of political instability in the UK, which has seen six prime ministers change in the decade since Brexit.

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Today, I informed the King of my decision and I will ask the Labour Party National Executive Committee to arrange a timetable for the election of a new leader. If there is a contest, I will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.