Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he will resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, bringing to an end a tumultuous period in British politics less than two years after Labour’s landslide general election victory.
Speaking outside Number 10 Downing Street on Monday morning, an emotional Sir Keir reflected on his time in office and the journey that brought Labour back to power after years in opposition.
At points during the statement, the Prime Minister appeared close to tears as he spoke about his wife and children and the sacrifices his family had made during his political career.
As he left Downing Street alongside his wife, he was greeted by cheers and applause from supporters gathered nearby.
“Walking up Downing Street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life,” Sir Keir said.
He told the public that he had entered politics to improve the lives of ordinary people and used the speech to defend his record both as Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Sir Keir said he inherited a Labour Party that was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt” and recalled being repeatedly told that the party had no path back to power.
“I was told time and time again that the Labour Party was finished,” he said.
He argued that his leadership had transformed the party, highlighting efforts to tackle anti-Semitism and rebuild Labour’s credibility with voters.
“We proved those people wrong,” he said, adding that Labour had succeeded in “ripping out the poison of anti-Semitism” and restoring trust on “the economy, defence and national security”.
The announcement follows weeks of mounting speculation over Sir Keir’s future after growing unrest within Labour ranks and increasing pressure from MPs following a series of political setbacks.
While Sir Keir confirmed his intention to step down, questions remain over the timetable for his departure and the process for choosing his successor.
There is growing expectation that Andy Burnham, who won last week’s Makerfield by-election and is due to be sworn in as an MP, could emerge as a leading contender to replace him. However, if a full leadership contest is triggered, the process could continue throughout the summer before a new leader is formally chosen.
The timing of Sir Keir’s departure from Downing Street has yet to be confirmed, although political observers believe he could remain in office until July while arrangements for a transition are put in place.
The atmosphere outside Number 10 reflected the unusual nature of the moment. As Sir Keir delivered his statement, a protester could be heard playing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy in the background, briefly distracting the Prime Minister before he continued with his remarks. The sound of music and demonstrations has become a familiar feature of political life in Westminster in recent years.
Sir Keir’s resignation marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the Labour Party and the country, with attention now turning to who will succeed him and the direction the Government will take in the months ahead.
Further announcements regarding the leadership process are expected in the coming days.
