Keir Starmer’s resignation speech: the six key takeaways

It was only a few minutes long, fewer than 750 words, and was in part almost drowned out by music blasted by anti-Brexit protesters. But there was a lot in Keir Starmer’s resignation speech – not all of it stated openly. Here we look at the key quotes and what the prime minister meant by them.

4. ‘In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September’

Starmer set out what could be seen as a fairly leisurely timetable for his replacement, with nominations for a new leader not even opening before 9 July – although this is ultimately up to Labour’s national executive.

As set out, it would mean the earliest a new PM could take over, if there was only one candidate and thus no vote of Labour members, would be mid-July, just before the Commons summer recess and after the crucial Nato summit in Ankara a week before.

This allows Starmer both a final run-out on the global stage, but also some weeks to cement a few legacy projects, perhaps including the defence investment plan.

5. ‘I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support’

This is probably true – but almost certainly not from the vantage point of a seat in Andy Burnham’s cabinet. For all the talk that Starmer could offer some continuity – perhaps as foreign secretary – there are no signs he would want this, or, most likely, that Burnham would actively seek it.

6. ‘And when I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job’

The final, most heartfelt and subtext-free part of the speech, where Starmer, choking back his emotion, paid tribute to his wife, Victoria, who was looking on, and his two teenage children.

Starmer is a very obviously devoted family man, and talks with huge pride in private about his son and daughter. He will now have a lot more time with them.