British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, bringing an end to a premiership that lasted less than two years after he led the Labour Party back to power in a landslide election victory in 2024.
Starmer said he would remain in office until a successor is chosen, overseeing what he described as an orderly transfer of power.
The prime minister made the announcement outside 10 Downing Street, saying he had concluded that he was no longer the right person to lead Labour into the next general election. He said he had informed King Charles III of his decision and pledged to do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition.
His departure follows months of falling approval ratings, growing unease within the governing Labour Party and criticism over the government’s handling of key issues including the economy, immigration and public services.
Starmer swept to power in July 2024, ending 14 years of Conservative rule and promising to rebuild Britain. However, his government later faced mounting political pressure and a series of electoral setbacks that fuelled speculation about his future.
In announcing his decision, Starmer described serving as prime minister as “the honour of my life” and said he accepted the verdict of his parliamentary colleagues “with good grace”.
Attention is now expected to turn to the contest to replace him, with a new Labour leader expected to be in place before Parliament returns in September.
Starmer’s resignation marks the latest change at the top of British politics and opens a new chapter for the governing Labour Party as it seeks to restore public confidence ahead of the next general election.
