Keir Starmer announces resignation as UK prime minister

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and wife Victoria stand in front of 10 Downing Street door after speaking to the media in London, Monday, June 22, 2026. Kin Cheung/AP hide caption toggle caption Kin Cheung/AP LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday he is stepping down as leader of the governing Labour Party and will leave office within weeks, scarcely two years after being elected in a landslide. Starmer says he will remain caretaker prime minister until a new Labour leader is chosen by the party. Starmer made the announcement after facing growing pressure to hand over to a new leader who can try and revive the government's flagging fortunes. He led Labour to a landslide election victory in July 2024, but since then his popularity and that of the party have plummeted. His departure was triggered by the victory of Andy Burnham in a special election last week. The popular ex-mayor of Greater Manchester planned to challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership. Starmer made the announcement outside the prime minister's 10 Downing St. residence, his voice choking with emotion near the end of the brief statement. "The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election," Starmer said. "I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace. Starmer is the sixth prime minister in a decade to stand outside 10 Downing Street and announce a premature departure. …