British PM Keir Starmer says he will resign
Updated ,first published
London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as leader of the Labor Party so that the party can choose his replacement by September, paving the way for the country’s seventh leader in more than a decade.
Less than two years after winning a landslide election victory that promised to end the chaos in British politics, Starmer admitted his party wanted him gone and said nominations for his successor would begin in about two weeks; However, he did not name the most likely replacement, Andy Burnham.
The decision comes after at least a year of discontent within the Labor Party over Starmer’s performance and months of rumors about potential rivals; This led Starmer to set a timetable that would keep him in power while the party decided on a new leader.
Burnham, a former Manchester mayor and health minister at Westminster before leaving parliament almost a decade ago, will be re-sworn in as an MP after winning a by-election for the northern seat of Makerfield last week.
While many Labor MPs backed Burnham, Starmer faced a decision on whether to object to the leadership vote or announce his departure. After contemplating his political future at his country Checkers over the weekend, he announced his resignation in front of dozens of television cameras in Downing Street on Monday morning (London time).
Starmer said he had asked the party’s national executive to open nominations for the leadership on July 9, ensuring a new leader would be in office by the time parliament returns in September.
“The question my party is asking now is whether I am in the best position to lead us to the next general election. I have heard my parliamentary party’s answer to that question, and I accept that answer with great grace,” an emotional Starmer said.
“Every decision I made was about putting the country I love first.
“This is why I will resign as leader of the Labor Party.”
Starmer said he informed King Charles of his decision.
He said he would do everything in his power to ensure an orderly transfer of power and would give his successor his “full and unequivocal support”.
The timeline means Labor will decide on a new leader and the country will have a new prime minister; This coincides with the Labor Party conference in Liverpool in the week commencing September 28, an annual meeting usually marked by a major speech from the leader.
The move follows Starmer’s sharp decline in the polls.
His government has suffered backlash over his welfare and spending policies, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has alleged a tax scandal and Starmer’s decision has been questioned over the appointment of Peter Mandelson, a friend of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as Britain’s ambassador to the US.
Last month Labor lost hundreds of council positions in local government elections, triggering serious doubts about the party’s fate.
The threat to Starmer rose sharply on Friday, when Burnham decisively defeated a candidate from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, which was leading the national polls, in the Makerfield race.
His statement came a day after cabinet ministers urged him to make way for Burnham.
US President Donald Trump announced this would happen a day before the actual announcement, fueling rumors that he would resign soon.
“Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,” Trump said on Truth Social.
“He has failed miserably on two very important issues: MIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him success! President DJT.”
This angered many in Britain’s political ranks and was seen as a breach of the usual protocols between the two long-time allies.
Doubts remain about how the new leader will be determined, with some wanting Burnham to be “crowned” without a vote, while others believe a vote should be held. Former health secretary Wes Streeting has also put himself forward as a potential leader, but there are rumors he could accept a senior position in the new cabinet and support Burnham.
Kyle defended the vote over the decision to elevate Burnham unopposed.
“My approach to this has always been that competitions are better wherever possible,” he told the BBC after the Sky interview.
“This needs to be balanced with the needs to maintain the authority of the party through any processes that arise.”
While Starmer has often been criticized in the media for his straight-talking style, he became emotional when he finished his remarks in Downing Street.
He thanked his wife, Victoria, and said he would focus on taking care of his family.
Regarding his future, he said, “To be the best husband I can to my wonderful wife, Vic, who has been there for me through good times and bad.”
“And to be the best father I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and joy.”
Looking upset and emotional, Victoria Starmer walked towards her husband and they embraced before stepping back into Number 10.
David Crowe is the European correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect with: X or email.
