Foreign News
Starmer quits as British prime minister
UK leader Keir Starmer announced his resignation following months of pressure, kickstarting a process that will see Britain get its seventh prime minister in a decade.
In a speech outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer — in office since July 2024 — conceded on Monday that he had lost the support of his Labour Party MPs.
He said he had informed King Charles III of his decision to resign so that a new Labour leader, and therefore prime minister, could be elected.
“I will remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” he said.
Starmer’s authority has been waning since Labour endured a drubbing in local and regional elections in May.
He was unable to withstand the pressure any further following confirmation last week that his rival Andy Burnham was returning to parliament, clearing the path for an anticipated leadership challenge.
Timetable for replacement
Burnham, a veteran Labour politician, is due to take up his seat in the House of Commons later on Monday after winning a parliamentary by-election in Makerfield, northwest England, on Thursday.
“The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,” Starmer said, as senior ministerial colleagues looked on.
“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.
