British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, bowing to growing pressure within the governing Labour Party less than two years after leading the party to a historic election victory.
In an emotional address outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he would step down as Labour leader, acknowledging that many within the party no longer viewed him as the best person to lead it into the next general election.
“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said.
The outgoing prime minister disclosed that the process for electing a new Labour leader would begin in July, while he would remain in office until a successor is chosen. The transition is expected to be completed before Parliament reconvenes in September.
Starmer’s departure follows months of political turmoil, declining approval ratings and increasing calls from Labour lawmakers and senior party figures for a change in leadership. The pressure intensified after poor local election performances and internal disagreements over the government’s direction.
Reflecting on his decision, the 63-year-old said his years in office had come at a significant personal cost and that he now wanted to focus on his family.
Fighting back tears, Starmer paid tribute to his wife, Victoria, describing her as “a rock” throughout his political career.
“Being the best husband I can, to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad,” he said.
He also pledged to devote more time to his children, whom he described as his “pride and joy.”
Starmer said he had listened to concerns within Labour about whether he remained the right person to lead the party into the next election and had accepted the verdict “with good grace.”
His resignation opens the door to a leadership contest within Labour, with several prominent figures expected to be considered as potential successors.
