London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as prime minister after mounting pressure from Labour MPs and senior cabinet ministers, bringing an abrupt end to his premiership less than two years after leading the party to a landslide general election victory.
Starmer’s resignation follows weeks of growing unrest within the governing Labour Party, intensified by Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster after his victory in the Makerfield by-election. Burnham is widely viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Starmer, although a leadership contest could still see other candidates, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, enter the race.
Senior Labour figures are understood to have informed him that his leadership had become untenable, prompting preparations for a resignation speech. Starmer will remain in Downing Street in a caretaker capacity until Labour elects a new leader, ensuring continuity as the UK navigates economic challenges and an uncertain international environment.
Watch live: My statement. https://t.co/MX7ga3FRGq
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 22, 2026
His departure follows months of political turbulence marked by poor opinion poll ratings, backlash over controversial policy decisions, cabinet resignations, and Labour’s disappointing performance in recent local elections. Critics within the party argued that policy reversals on issues such as winter fuel payments and welfare reforms, along with other political controversies, had weakened public confidence in his leadership.
Labour MPs remain divided over the succession process. While some believe Burnham should face a full leadership contest to demonstrate his readiness for the country’s top job, others are pushing for a swift transition to minimise further political damage ahead of the next general election.
Starmer’s resignation caps a dramatic fall from power. After becoming only the fourth Labour leader to secure a general election victory, his premiership ended with deep internal divisions and renewed questions over the party’s direction as it prepares to choose Britain’s next prime minister.
MOST READ | EasyJet rejects 3rd takeover proposal from Castlelake
