British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Resignation as Labour Leader and PM

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Leader of the Labour Party and as Prime Minister on Monday (June 22, 2026).

In a formal statement, Starmer said he would remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a new Labour Party leader is elected, in order to ensure a smooth and orderly transition of power.

Starmer led the Labour Party to a landslide victory in the July 2024 general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. However, his government has faced mounting challenges over the past year, including slow economic growth, persistent inflation, criticism over immigration policy, and internal party divisions. A series of disappointing by-election results in recent months further weakened his position.

Several senior Labour figures are now expected to enter the race to succeed him as party leader and the next Prime Minister. The leadership contest is likely to begin shortly and may take several weeks to conclude.

In his resignation statement, Starmer thanked the British public for giving him the opportunity to serve as Prime Minister. He expressed pride in his government’s achievements, particularly in stabilising the economy after the pandemic and strengthening Britain’s alliances with international partners.

The announcement marks the end of Starmer’s premiership after less than two years in office and is expected to trigger a significant political realignment within the Labour Party.