Sir Keir Starmer Resigns as Labour Leader

Speaking in Downing Street, Sir Keir said he accepted he was not best placed to lead Labour into the next general election and he had informed the King of his decision to step down.

Sir Keir added he has asked Labour's governing body to set out a timetable to replace him, with nominations opening on 9 July and ending by the summer recess on 16 July.

He said if there was a contest then a new leader would be in place before Parliament returns in September, and he will "do everything" he can to ensure an "orderly" transition of power.

He added he would also give his successor "my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago".

Watched by his supporters, colleagues and No 10 staff, Sir Keir's voice cracked with emotion as he spoke of what his focus will be on next.

He said: "When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on 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."

Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, is regarded by many as the frontrunner to replace Sir Keir after he secured his return to Parliament with an emphatic win over his Reform UK rival.

This included over his his decision to change direction on three major policies in a month after pressure from within his own party.

Sir Keir said: "The hard work of change was with a singular purpose – not power for power's sake but to change Britain for the better, to build a fairer country with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen, everyone is valued, wealth and opportunity for all not just the privileged few."

"Labour MPs only want higher taxes to hand out more benefits, as the welfare secretary has pointed out. These are Labour's choices and their values, regardless of who is running the party."

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the British people were "sick of being let down by an endless merry-go-round of prime ministers while nothing really changes".

He said: "This time must be different. It can't just be about changing who's in Number 10, it has to be about changing our broken politics so we can fix our country."