Keir R. Starmer has announced he will stand down as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) after days of intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers. Photo: The Guardian

Keir R. Starmer threw in the towel as Prime Minister after reportedly concluding with allies and wife Victoria over the weekend that he has no realistic chance of survival. Photo: Getty Images

Starmer’s decision to announce his departure will now start a race among Labour MPs to become the UK’s seventh prime minister in 10 years, with Andy M. Burnham in pole position to win. If he is uncontested, he could be in Downing Street within weeks.

Addressing the nation outside Downing Street today, Monday, June 22, 2026, the PM said: “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.

“Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first, that is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party, I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.”

Nominations for new Labour leader

Starmer said he would ask Labour’s ruling national executive committee to set out a timetable for a contest with nominations opening on July 9 and completed by summer recess just a week later.

The prime minister said he would remain in post until parliament returns in September, meaning he will represent the UK at the next Nato summit in early July. But if Burnham runs unchallenged, then he could take over as the Commons rises on July 16, 2026.

Starmer's resignation comes as the Virgin Islands, a territory of the United Kingdom, is preparing for constitutional negotiations next month.