The Prime Minister was emotional as he resigned.
Starmer (Image: Getty)
Prime Minister Keir Starmer became emotional as he announced he is to resign as Prime Minister on Monday. The Labour leader confirmed his decision during an address to the nation outside No 10 Downing Street, bringing an end to a premiership that lasted 23 months and 17 days.
As he brought his statement to a close, Sir Keir’s voice appeared to shake with emotion as he thanked his family for their support and reflected on becoming Prime Minister as the “proudest moment of my life”. He also revealed he had informed King Charles of his decision and pledged his full support to whoever succeeds him as Labour leader and Prime Minister. After handing over power, Sir Keir said he would focus on being the best father and husband he could be. His departure follows days of speculation about his future, with reports suggesting he spent the weekend discussing his position with his wife and family. Pressure had been mounting within Labour for months, with around 100 of the party’s 403 MPs reportedly calling for him to step down.
The situation intensified following Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election, which saw the Greater Manchester Mayor return to Parliament after nine years away from Westminster.
Mr Starmer has faced a series of challenges during his time in office, including the fallout from the Autumn Budget, the Mandelson affair and Labour’s disastrous local election results.
Discontent among both party members and voters came to a head last month when Labour lost more than 1,400 council seats across England, with Reform UK making significant gains.
Attention is now turning to who could succeed him, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham widely regarded as the frontrunner after returning to Parliament in the Makerfield by-election.
In his resignation address, Sir Keir pointed to what he described as some of his key achievements in office, including supporting Ukraine, rebuilding Britain’s relationships with allies and helping to lift thousands of children out of poverty.
However, he acknowledged that he no longer had the support within Labour needed to lead the party into the next General Election.
Following his announcement, Sir Keir is expected to formally tender his resignation to the King and remain in Downing Street in a caretaker capacity until a successor is chosen.
There will be no General Election as a result of his departure, with attention now turning to who could replace him.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is widely regarded as the frontrunner after returning to Parliament through the Makerfield by-election.
After finishing his speech, Sir Keir embraced his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, outside No 10 as members of his team gathered to applaud and cheer.
A new Labour leader is expected to be chosen before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
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