British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, ending a turbulent period in office marked by political controversies and declining public support.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he had always put the country’s interests first.
“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said.
Starmer became emotional as he delivered the statement.
Starmer said the Labour Party would launch a leadership contest in July.
He will remain prime minister until party members choose a new leader. Labour expects to complete the process before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
“I will remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” Starmer said.
His departure follows months of pressure from within the party and growing public dissatisfaction with his government.
Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham now appears to be a strong contender for the Labour leadership.
Burnham secured a return to Parliament after winning a key by-election last week. The victory clears the way for him to enter the leadership race.
Political analysts expect several senior Labour figures to consider running for the party’s top job.
Starmer led Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election. The result ended 14 years of Conservative rule and returned Labour to power.
Many supporters praised him for rebuilding the party and making it electable again.
However, his government soon faced mounting challenges. Critics attacked several policy decisions, including welfare reforms and defence spending plans.
His approval ratings declined as voters expressed frustration over the government’s direction.
Several controversies weakened Starmer’s position.
One of the biggest disputes involved his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington. Critics questioned the appointment because of Mandelson’s past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
