British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, ending nearly two years in office after mounting pressure from within the Labour Party over economic management, immigration policy, and political controversies.
Starmer confirmed that a new leader will take charge by September. In his resignation statement, he defended his record, claiming the economy had strengthened, wages were rising faster, and Labour had “proved people wrong by changing the party.” He highlighted achievements such as reduced small boat crossings, closure of asylum hotels, and lifting half a million children out of poverty.
His departure followed weeks of speculation after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election on June 18, which paved the way for a leadership challenge.
The announcement came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Starmer “will resign” and had “failed badly” on immigration and energy policy. Downing Street clarified that Starmer had not spoken to Trump over the weekend.
Attention now turns to the race for Labour leadership. Burnham is widely seen as the frontrunner, while Wes Streeting has signalled his intention to contest if a leadership election is triggered.
