British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced his resignation as head of the ruling Labour Party, paving the way for Britain to have its seventh PM in just over a decade.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he will remain caretaker prime minister until a new Labour leader is chosen in the next few weeks.

"The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election," he said.

"I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.

"Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party."

He said he would support whoever replaced him.

Starmer has served as prime minister since leading Labour to a landslide election victory in July 2024.

Since then, his popularity and that of the party have plummeted.

He had spent the weekend pondering his future after Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham won a special parliamentary by-election, clearing the way for a leadership challenge against Starmer.

Burnham later confirmed he will run to succeed Starmer as Labour leader and British prime minister.

He posted on social media that he will "put myself forward as part of this process".

Former health secretary Wes Streeting, considered another leading contender, said he will back Burnham.

The pound and UK government bonds were steady in the immediate aftermath of Starmer's announcement, which investors had widely expected. (Agencies)
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Last updated: 2026-06-22 HKT 18:24



Edited by Edmond Fong