Keir Starmer Resigns As UK Prime Minister

Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as prime minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party, over growing criticism of his leadership.

He says that he has accepted the decision of his parliamentary party.

In a speech on Monday, June 22, Starmer stated that while the question of whether he was the greatest candidate to bring Labour back to power had been resolved, the party was now considering whether he was the most qualified candidate to lead it into the upcoming general election.

“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. And I accept that answer with good grace,” he announced.

Starmer claimed that his dedication to prioritising the nation had informed every choice he had made while serving as prime minister.

The outgoing prime minister revealed that he would start the process of choosing a new Labour leader after informing King Charles III of his choice.

He further stated that he will request that the Labour Party's National Executives Committee schedule for the leadership race, with nominations anticipated to begin on July 9 and end prior to the summer break of Parliament.

Less than two years after leading Labour to a resounding election win that overturned 14 years of Conservative control, Starmer resigned.

His resignation comes after months of political pressure, declining support, and mounting demands for a leadership change inside Labour.

According to recent reports, Keir was being questioned by Labour MPs and senior party members over whether he was still the party's best candidate for the upcoming general election.

The resignation paves the way for a leadership race that will choose Britain's next prime minister as well as the next leader of the Labour Party. 

As the party starts the process of choosing a new leader, possible successors are expected come up in the coming weeks.