Keir Starmer Resigns as Britain Prime Minister, Andy Burnham Sworn In as MP

Keir Starmer announced his intention to resign as Britain’s prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, saying, “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,” and adding, “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.”

“UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation with 'good grace' Starmer, who was elected in 2024, spoke on Monday from Downing Street”

ABC News

Hours after Starmer’s resignation announcement, Andy Burnham was sworn in as the MP for Makerfield, with the BBC reporting that Burnham said he would stand to replace the prime minister and that nominations open on 9 July.

ABC News

The BBC said Starmer would remain as PM until his successor was chosen by the time “Parliament returns in September” or sooner if Labour backed one candidate and there was no contest.

The Washington Post reported that Starmer’s resignation followed pressure from lawmakers within his own Labour Party after “crushing losses in nationwide local elections last month,” and that he would leave office after a new Labour leader is selected in a leadership election beginning in July.

The Guardian described Starmer’s resignation speech as “a short one,” delivered minutes after the lectern had been placed in front of the door at No 10 as cameras faced him, with Starmer paying tribute to his wife and children as he grew visibly emotional.

The BBC reported that Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones had been urged to run by some Labour MPs and had not ruled out the idea, while Harry Farley said government “main decisions are on hold” because Starmer had declared his intention to step down.

The Washington Post said Starmer’s resignation came after a mutiny triggered by local election losses, and it quoted Starmer saying, “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,” as he addressed staff and cabinet.

Al Jazeera

The BBC also reported that nominations open on 9 July and close on 16 July, with 81 Labour MPs needed to contest Andy Burnham, and it said there was “no sign of” other MPs raising support at the time of its live updates.

CNN reported that Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, was sworn in as a lawmaker and “looks likely to replace Starmer within weeks,” while Wes Streeting backed Burnham and ruled himself out.

In a statement on social media, the BBC said Hillsborough Law Now campaign thanked Starmer for helping them reach “this point,” even as it described continued barriers and delays.

Starmer said he would remain in office until a successor was chosen, with the BBC reporting that the handover would happen by the time “Parliament returns in September” or sooner if Labour backed one candidate and there was no contest.

“Summary Andy Burnham is sworn in as the MP for Makerfield hours after Keir Starmer announces his resignation as Labour Party leader - here's how today unfolded Burnham says he will stand to replace the prime minister, with backing from former Health Secretary Wes Streeting Streeting - who quit Starmer's government last month - previously said he would join any leadership race Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones has been urged to run by some Labour MPs and has not ruled out the idea, the BBC understands, though his friends believe it is unlikely he will stand Speaking outside No 10 earlier, Starmer thanked his wife in an emotional speech - watch it in full They hosted an event at No 10 tonight to say thank you to staff and supporters What happens now”

BBC

The Washington Post said the leadership election would begin in July and that any challenger must first secure written backing of at least 81 of Labour’s 403 elected members of Parliament, before a broader vote of party members who rank candidates until one clears 50 percent.

CNN reported that the UK is set to get “sixth PM in seven years,” and it said the resignation came just two years after Labour swept into power with a landslide majority.

The BBC said Hillsborough Law campaigners called for the bill to be passed in full before the end of the summer, and it quoted Charlotte Hennessy saying she welcomed Burnham’s election as MP for Makerfield but did not believe there was any need to wait for him to take office before legislation is implemented.

The Washington Post added that Starmer told King Charles III of his decision Monday morning and would soon devote himself to his own family, while the BBC said Starmer hosted an event at No 10 tonight to thank staff and supporters.