UK prime minister has formally tendered his resignation, effectively resigning as British prime minister and leader of the Labour Party.
In an emotion-laden voice, Starmer stated that he has “heard the answer” of his party on whether he is best placed to lead it into the next general election and “accepts that answer with good grace”.
Starmer announced his resignation on Monday outside 10 Downing Street. With this development, Andy Burnham could replace Starmer as prime minister and will then be sworn in as Makerfield’s MP.
Meanwhile, Burnham is expected at Westminster today after winning his by-election last week. Starmer also said that walking up Downing Street two years ago, accompanied by his wife amid cheers and applause, was the finest moment of his life.
Departing Downing Street alongside his wife to the sound of cheering supporters, Keir Starmer offered a nostalgic reflection on his political journey. Looking back on his tenure, the outgoing Prime Minister remarked that walking into Number 10 just two years ago remained the single finest moment of his life.
Speaking further, Starmer said he inherited a party that was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt”, addin that he implemented a raft of policies to change the lives of millions for the better.
“I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said, noting that every decision he has taken has been about “putting the country I love first”.
Talks With King Charles
Speaking further, Starmer said he informed King Charles of his resignation this morning and asked the Labour Party’s national executive committee to set a timetable that would allow leadership nominations to begin on July 9 and conclude before the summer break.
Seventh Prime Minister In 10 Years
BACKSTORY
In recent days, calls and pressure over his resignation has heightened.
The pressure began to mount after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won a by-election on Friday, a result that would have given him the chance to formally challenge for the leadership.
In recent days, the UK PM has spoken with cabinet ministers, Downing Street advisers, trade union leaders, and party donors, and he is said to have concluded that his position is no longer sustainable.
Just yesterday, business Secretary Peter Kyle confirmed that he held a “thoughtful” discussion with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, though he swiftly declined to disclose details of the conversation, labelling it strictly “private.”
