Sir Keir Starmer to Step Down as UK Prime Minister

In short:

Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as prime minister of the United Kingdom.

He said he would remain as caretaker prime minister while a new Labour leader is chosen in the next few weeks.

What's next?

Former mayor of Greater Manchester and new Labour MP Andy Burnham is expected to vy for the leadership position.

Sir Keir Starmer says he will resign as prime minister of the United Kingdom.

He said his decision came after speaking with the King earlier today, local time, and was in the best interests of the country.

He will remain as caretaker prime minister until a new Labour leader is chosen in the next few weeks.

Sir Keir made the announcement after facing growing pressure to hand over to a new leader who can try to revive the government’s flagging fortunes.

Sir Keir's voice choked with emotion near the end of his brief statement, made outside 10 Downing Street.

"The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election," Sir Keir said.

" I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace. "

Sir Keir has been in office since leading Labour to a landslide election victory in July 2024.

In those two years, his popularity and that of the party have plummeted.

His departure follows the victory of popular ex-mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham in a special election last week.

Mr Burnham is due to be sworn in as a member of parliament today, local time.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Sir Keir's legacy after news of his resignation, in a post online.

"It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years," she said on X.

"European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you. Thank you, dear Keir."

Loading

AP