After weeks of speculation and increasing pressure from within his own ranks, Keir Starmer announced this Monday his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, just two years after his party's overwhelming victory in the 2024 general elections.
In a statement at Downing Street, Starmer acknowledged that he is no longer the most suitable person to lead the party into the upcoming elections, scheduled for 2029, and confirmed that he had informed the king of his decision.
The Prime Minister's decision now opens a race within the Labour Party to choose his successor. Starmer has promised to offer "full and unequivocal" support to whoever takes over and has claimed his legacy by stating that he leaves a country "stronger and fairer" than the one he inherited from the Conservatives. The chosen successor will become the seventh British Prime Minister in the last decade.
How long will Starmer remain in Downing Street?
During his statement, Starmer outlined the timelines that will mark his departure from Downing Street and the process to choose the next Labour leader, stating that he will remain in office "until his successor is elected".
The current Prime Minister indicated that he will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set a schedule for his replacement, so that the deadline for candidate submissions opens on July 9, the day after his planned return from the NATO summit in Ankara, and ends before the parliamentary summer recess on July 16.
Starmer stated that if a leadership contest were to take place, the new leader would be in office before Parliament resumes its sessions in September, and that he will "do everything possible" to ensure an "orderly" transition of power.
Will Andy Burnham be the next 'premier'?
Former Mayor of Greater Manchester and current Member of Parliament for Makerfield, Andy Burnham, is the leading candidate to replace Starmer, especially after his victory in the recent by-elections on Thursday. The politician announced this Monday that he will run for the leadership of the Labour Party.
"Keir has served our country well, and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period," Burnham stated. "His decision marks the beginning of a transition, and it is important that this process is carried out in an orderly and responsible manner. I will stand as a candidate within this process," he confirmed.
Burnham highlighted that the Labour Party's priorities should be "advancing in economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing, and opportunities for the next generation."
It was expected that former Health Minister, Wes Streeting, would run for candidacy, but he announced that he will support Burnham, indicating that the new Member of Parliament for Makerfield will likely have a clear path to party leadership.
Streeting mentioned that he has "had extensive discussions with Andy in recent days." The former minister explained that he prefers to rally around a single candidacy rather than open an internal dispute for leadership and has urged the rest of the party to support Burnham.
"We could spend the summer exaggerating minor differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him bring about the change that our party and our country need. That is the decision I have made, and I hope everyone else will also support Andy," stated the former minister.
"We were elected to change our country, to show that politics can be a force for good and to offer opportunities to everyone. With Andy, we can still do that."
If Burnham turns out to be the sole candidate for the position, we could see him take office as Prime Minister by mid-July.