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52m ago

Keir Starmer Resigns as Prime Minister

His departure starts a fast‑tracked Labour leadership race likely to deliver Andy Burnham to Number 10 within weeks.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 22: Andy Burnham, Labour MP for Makerfield, celebrates after his swearing-in at the Houses of Parliament on June 22, 2026 in London, England. Last week Andy Burnham won 54% of the vote in the Makerfield by-election, paving his way to return to Westminster as an MP and challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his plan to step down outside 10 Downing Street in London on the morning of June 22, 2026.
Andy Burnham has gone from Clark Kent to Superman (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Photographer: Dan Kitwood Provider: Getty Images Source: Getty Images Europe Copyright: 2026 Getty Images

Overview

  • Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday and will stay on as caretaker prime minister until Labour chooses a successor, saying he had lost the support of many Labour MPs.
  • Andy Burnham, who won last week’s Makerfield by‑election and was sworn in as an MP on Monday, confirmed he will stand for the Labour leadership and is now the clear frontrunner.
  • Labour has set a nominations window opening on July 9 and aims to have a new leader before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September, with an uncontested Burnham able to take over by mid‑July.
  • Former health secretary Wes Streeting has publicly backed Burnham rather than run, increasing the chance of an uncontested transition, though candidates must still secure support from one‑fifth of Labour MPs (about 81) and backing from constituency parties or affiliates to qualify.
  • The change follows months of poor local election results and policy missteps that eroded Starmer’s authority and could shift Labour’s tone and strategy as it seeks to counter the rising Reform UK and rebuild voter support.