LONDON — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party on Monday, triggering a leadership contest that could result in the country’s seventh prime minister in about a decade, officials and party sources said.
Starmer made the announcement in a statement outside 10 Downing Street, saying he would remain in office as caretaker until a successor is chosen. He cited a lack of confidence from within his party following poor local election results and internal pressure.
"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.
The move follows Labour’s significant losses in local and devolved elections in May 2026 and mounting criticism over economic policies, taxes and migration. Starmer led the party to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election but faced growing calls from lawmakers to step down.
Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester who won a by-election seat in Parliament on the same day as the announcement, has emerged as the frontrunner. Burnham met with Starmer on Tuesday to discuss the transition and is expected to seek the leadership. Nominations for the contest are set to open on July 9 and close on July 16, with a new leader potentially in place by early September.
Labour Party rules require candidates to secure nominations from at least 20% of Labour MPs, along with support from constituency parties or affiliated groups such as trade unions. If Burnham faces no serious challengers, the process could be swift.
Opposition figures, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, called for a general election following the developments. Conservative leaders have also questioned the stability of the government amid the leadership change.
Starmer will continue as prime minister in a caretaker capacity during the transition. Details on the full timeline for his departure and the new leader’s swearing-in remain subject to the party’s National Executive Committee process.
As of Wednesday, Burnham continued preparations for the leadership bid, while other potential candidates, including some MPs, were considering whether to enter the race. The contest comes as the UK navigates ongoing economic and political challenges.
