LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, June 22, 2026, stepping down as leader of the governing Labour Party after months of political pressure and internal criticism. Starmer said he would remain as prime minister until Labour selects a successor, according to statements from his office and reports from the Associated Press and other news organizations.
Starmer, who became prime minister after Labour’s general election victory in 2024, said he had informed King Charles III of his decision before making the announcement outside 10 Downing Street. “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,” Starmer said in his statement.
The resignation followed growing pressure from Labour lawmakers and criticism over the party’s political position after setbacks in local elections, according to reports from the Associated Press and Reuters. Starmer’s departure opened a leadership contest within Labour, with the party expected to begin the process of selecting a new leader.
Starmer’s government had faced challenges over policy decisions, public support, and internal disagreements during his time in office. Reports said the prime minister’s decision came after questions emerged within Labour about his ability to lead the party into the next general election. Starmer said he accepted the judgment of the party and would oversee a transition to a new leader.
The leadership contest has drawn attention to possible successors, including Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, who emerged as a leading figure in reports about the race after winning a parliamentary seat. Details of the full leadership process and the candidates involved remained subject to Labour’s internal procedures.
Opposition parties responded by criticizing the government’s record while Labour figures focused on maintaining stability during the transition. The Conservative Party and other political groups said voters deserved clarity on the direction of the country, while Labour officials said the party would follow its established leadership selection process.
Starmer’s resignation comes less than two years after he entered Downing Street following Labour’s election victory. The prime minister is expected to continue carrying out official duties until a new Labour leader is chosen and a formal transition takes place.
As of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Labour’s leadership process was underway, and Starmer remained in office pending the selection of his successor. Further details on the timetable for the handover remained dependent on the party’s internal procedures.
