Sir Keir Starmer Resigns as UK Prime Minister

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📸 Victoria Starmer comforts her husband

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By Nelli Saarinen

Sir Keir embraced his wife Victoria after his resignation speech.

He thanked his wife for being his biggest supporter.

🎥 WATCH: Sir Keir's full resignation speech

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By Nelli Saarinen

Watch Sir Keir Starmer's full speech outside 10 Downing Street, as he tells reporters the job of prime minister has been the "proudest moment of his life" and announces his resignation.

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Key points from Sir Keir's speech

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By Riley Stuart in London

The British PM spoke for about five minutes. Here's the main points.

Let's start with what he said about the process to replace him:

He is resigning but not leaving office immediately.

He is going to ask Labour's national executive committee to open nominations for his replacement from July 9, so they can be completed by parliament's summer recess later that month (July 23).

If there's a leadership contest (which there may well be), Sir Keir says a new leader would be in place by the time parliament resumes on September 1.

Sir Keir said being PM had been the proudest moment of his life, and listed several achievements:

He points out the economy is stronger than when he came to power.

He also highlights the fact NHS waiting lists have decreased (the NHS is Britain's public health system).

He says his government has made things easier for workers and renters.

The PM also spoke about immigration. Net migration to the UK has decreased dramatically in the two years since Labour came to power.

The PM thanked his wife, children, friends and staff:

He said: "When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time in the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy."

Sir Keir thanks family, colleagues and finishes speaking

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By Riley Stuart in London

Sir Keir thanked his wife, who he says has been his biggest supporter, and his children, as well as others.

He became a little emotional when he did that.

And then, he finished speaking, posed for a few pictures with his wife, and walked back into Number 10.

I'll go through the speech a little more closely now for you.

Sir Keir wants 'orderly' transition of power

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By Riley Stuart in London

Sir Keir says there will be an "orderly" transition of leadership. He wants a new PM to be in place when parliament resumes in September, after a summer recess.

Labour MPs who want his job can nominate from July 9 he said.

British PM announces resignation

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By Riley Stuart in London

Sir Keir has announced his resignation.

"The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer to that question. I accept that answer with good grace.

"Every decision I've taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party."

Sir Keir says he told King Charles about his decision this morning.

British PM Starmer says job has been 'proudest moment of his life'

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By Riley Stuart in London

Sir Keir has described becoming PM as "the proudest moment of his life".

He said he came into politics to "change the lives of millions of people for the better".

"Look at what we've achieved in just two years," he says, before listing his government's achievements. I'll unpack those a little later for you.

Sir Keir has walked out of 10 Downing Street

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By Riley Stuart in London

He is speaking now.

Announcement expected imminently

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By Mazoe Ford

The lectern is out, speakers and mics have been set up and we're hearing an announcement is imminent.

Standing with Sir Keir's staff are several loyal MPs. His Deputy PM David Lammy and Chief Secretary Darren Jones are among them.

Starmer's staff are making their way on to Downing Street

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By Riley Stuart in London

A large group of them are now, standing near the lecturn.

That's about the most clear sign you can get as to what's coming.

📸 Scenes at 10 Downing Street

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By Mazoe Ford

There's a huge press pack here at 10 Downing Street expecting an announcement shortly.

A lecturn has already been put on the street.