British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as leader of the Labour Party while continuing to serve as caretaker prime minister until a successor is elected.
The decision follows increasing calls within the party for a leadership change and marks a significant moment in British politics.
Starmer said he had begun discussions on a timeline for the transition of power, with the formal process to elect a new Labour leader set to begin in July.
The party expects to choose its next leader by September, at which point the new leader would assume the role of prime minister.
In an emotional speech delivered outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer reflected on his tenure and his reasons for stepping aside.
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Fighting back tears, he stated, “Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.” He emphasized that ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining stability in government remained his priorities during the coming months.
His announcement comes shortly after former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, widely regarded as a leading contender to replace him, secured a seat in the House of Commons by winning a by-election in Makerfield. Burnham’s return to Westminster has strengthened speculation that he could emerge as the frontrunner in the upcoming leadership contest.
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The change in leadership will make the incoming prime minister the seventh person to lead the United Kingdom in the past decade. The country has seen a rapid succession of leaders, including David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer.
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Under Labour Party rules, only a sitting Member of Parliament is eligible to stand for the leadership. Burnham was officially sworn in as an MP on Monday following his by-election victory, making him eligible to contest the race. The coming leadership election is expected to shape both Labour’s future direction and the UK’s political landscape.