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

• Keir Starmer confirms he will resign as leader of the Labour Party after internal party pressure.
• New leadership contest expected to conclude before the summer recess, with successor in place by September.

Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as leader of the Labour Party, confirming he has accepted the outcome of internal party discussions over whether he is best placed to lead the party into the next general election.

Starmer said he had “heard the answer” from his party and “accepts that answer with good grace,” adding that every decision he had taken in office was aimed at “putting the country I love first.”

The prime minister said he informed the King of his decision earlier on Friday morning. Despite stepping down as party leader, he will remain in post as prime minister during the transition period.

The announcement marks a significant political shift, though Starmer will continue governing until a successor is chosen within the Labour Party.

Starmer has asked the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee to establish a formal timetable for the leadership contest. Nominations are expected to open on 9 July, with the process set to conclude before the summer parliamentary recess.

This schedule would allow a new Labour leader to be in place before Parliament returns in September, ensuring continuity ahead of a critical political period.

Until the leadership election concludes, Starmer said he will remain in office as prime minister, overseeing government business during the transition.