British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party, setting the stage for the emergence of a new prime minister before Parliament reconvenes in September after conceding that he no longer enjoys the confidence of his party to lead it into the next general election.
Addressing the nation outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, an emotional Starmer said he had accepted Labour’s verdict on his leadership and would step aside after a successor is chosen.
“The question my party has been asking is whether I am best placed to lead it into the next general election,” Starmer said. “I have heard the answer to that question and accept that answer with good grace.”
The outgoing prime minister insisted that every decision he made in office was guided by what he believed was in Britain’s best interest, saying he leaves with a clear conscience despite the political pressure that forced his exit.
Starmer disclosed that he had already informed King Charles III of his decision during a telephone conversation earlier in the day while the monarch was at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.
He also announced that Labour’s National Executive Committee would begin the process of electing a new leader, with nominations opening on July 9 and the contest expected to conclude before Parliament returns from its summer recess.
According to him, the timetable is designed to ensure that a new Labour leader—and by extension a new prime minister—is in place before lawmakers reconvene in September. Until then, he will remain in office to oversee what he described as a smooth and orderly transition of power.
Starmer pledged his full support for whoever succeeds him, expressing confidence that the incoming leader would inherit “a Britain that is stronger and fairer than two years ago.”
He also paid tribute to friends, colleagues, staff at Number 10 and members of the civil service who stood by him throughout his six years as Labour leader.
In the most emotional moment of his address, Starmer turned his attention to his family and the sacrifices they had made during his time in public office.
“Being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion.
He added that he looked forward to spending more time being “the best dad” to his children, describing them as his “pride and joy.”
The prime minister concluded his address by embracing his wife, Victoria Starmer, before walking back into Downing Street, bringing the curtain down on a dramatic chapter in British politics and opening the race to choose Labour’s next leader and Britain’s next prime minister. (The Guardian)
