United Kingdom Prime Minister and Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, has announced his resignation as leader of the governing Labour Party, which also means he would be exiting as Prime Minister of UK under the Labour party, following what he described as the verdict of his parliamentary colleagues on the party’s future leadership.
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‎Speaking in a farewell address today, Starmer said he accepted the decision of his parliamentary party with good grace and would step down as Labour leader after leading the party and overseeing a series of policy reforms.
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‎The outgoing leader highlighted achievements of his administration, including the closure of asylum hotels, measures aimed at protecting young people from the harmful effects of social media, and policies that he said had lifted about half a million children out of poverty.
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‎Starmer also pointed to efforts to restore Britain’s international standing, strengthen relations with European allies, secure trade agreements, and maintain support for Ukraine.
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‎”Change promised by a Labour government, change fought for by a Labour government, change delivered by a Labour government,” he said.
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‎Announcing the transition plan, Starmer disclosed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision and would request the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee to begin the process of electing a new leader.
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‎According to him, nominations for the leadership contest will open on July 9 and conclude before Parliament’s summer recess. He said the timetable would ensure that a new Labour leader is in place before Parliament reconvenes in September.
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‎Starmer said he would remain Prime Minister until the leadership contest is completed and pledged to ensure an orderly transfer of power.
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‎”I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” he said, adding that he would offer his successor “full and unequivocal support.”
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‎The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the next leader would inherit a stronger and fairer Britain than the one he inherited two years ago and would be well-positioned to lead Labour into a second term in office.
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‎He also thanked party colleagues, government staff, and members of the civil service for their dedication and support throughout his tenure.
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‎In an emotional conclusion to his remarks, Starmer paid tribute to his family, particularly his wife, whom he described as “a rock” during both good and difficult times.
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‎Reflecting on life after office, he said he looked forward to spending more time with his family and focusing on being the best husband to his wife and the best dad to his children.
‎Starmer is the sixth prime minister in a decade to leave office.