Keir Starmer announces his resignation as U.K. Prime Minister

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks outside 10 Downing Street, following Andy Burnham’s decisive victory last week in the Makerfield by-election, in London, Britain, on June 22, 2026.

| Photo Credit: Reuters

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down, acknowledging that Labour’s Parliamentary Party does not see him as the best candidate to lead them into the next general election. The party will set out a timetable for the transition, possibly through a contest, so that a new Premier is in place before September.

Speaking outside No. 10 Downing Street a little after 9.30 a.m., the Prime Minister said he had inherited a Labour Party that was “politically, financially, and morally bankrupt”. He spoke of leading the party in a landslide victory in 2024 and highlighted his record, citing growth in real wages, the fastest economic growth in the G7, reduced wait-times for medical appointments, a ban on social media for under-16s, trade deals and mending fences with the European Union.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to the media to announce his resignation outside Downing Street in London, on June 22, 2026.

| Photo Credit:

AP

“I know the question being asked now is not who was best placed to change the Labour Party to take us into power and to begin the vital work of improving lives for millions of people. Those questions have been answered,” Mr. Starmer said, adding, “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.”

“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace,” Mr. Starmer said. The Prime Minister had informed King Charles III of his decision on Monday (June 22, 2026) morning, following a weekend of deliberation at his official country home, Chequers.

Labour’s decision-making body, the National Executive Committee, would set out a timetable, Mr. Starmer said, with nominations for a new leader opening July 9. In the case of a contest, the new leader would be in post before the U.K. Parliament reconvenes in September, as per Mr. Starmer.

For a man who has been criticised for lacking an emotional connection with voters, Mr. Starmer spoke through tears towards the end of his remarks outside Downing Street when he mentioned his children and his “fantastic wife, Vic [Victoria],” who was standing a few feet away. His family would be his focus once he stepped down, Mr. Starmer said, before standing in front of the black door to No. 10 with his wife, not waving this time, but looking crestfallen.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer walks with his wife Victoria, on the day he announces the timeline for his resignation, outside 10 Downing Street, in London, United Kingdom, on June 22, 2026.

| Photo Credit:

Reuters

The main contender for this post, outgoing Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, is expected to arrive in London shortly and be sworn in as an MP on Monday (June 22, 2026) afternoon, following his victory in a special by-election last week.

Keir Starmer steps down as U.K. Prime Minister

| Video Credit:

The Hindu

Published - June 22, 2026 11:14 am IST