Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister

Keir Starmer first rose to power back in 2020 succeeding Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party. As the Conservative party dealt with the aftermath of Brexit and the ramifications of the Partygate scandal the Labour Party rose in popularity. The 2024 general election was a landslide win for labour with them winning 411 seats in Parliament.

This morning Keir Starmer delivered his resignation speech, becoming the fifth Prime Minister to resign in ten years. He began his speech by sharing his views of how his stint went. He said: “I inherited a Labor party that was politically, financially, and morally bankrupt.”

He added: "I was told time and time again that my party was finished, that we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible.”

He praised the changes he has made as Prime Minister in regard to the economy as well as reductions in NHS waiting times.

Calls for Keir Starmer to reign began after information about Peter Mandelson, his appointee for the UK’s American ambassador relationship with Jeffery Epstein was exposed. Mandelson was sacked from his role in September 2024.

Starmer faced scrutiny for his failure to ensure Mandelson was properly vetted for the role. In a February edition of Prime Minster Questions, Starmer did admit that he did know of Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffery Epstein but stated that he was misled and lied to.

Starmer’s downfall continued with poor local council results, losing many seats to the Green Party and Reform UK. With the final nail in the coffin seemingly being Andy Burnhams win in the Makerfield by-election propelling him to Westminster, giving him the opportunity to enter number ten.

Who will replace him?

In today speech, Keir Starmer laid out the plan to select a new party leader and subsequently a new Prime Minister. He shared that the process would begin on 9 July with nominations opening, with them set to close at the end of the summer session on 17 July.

Starmer said: “I will give my successor my full unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago.”

Questions have been raised as to who will replace him, with many believing that they already know the answer.

Many believe Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has already secured the job. Just today, Burnham was sworn into Parliament after his recent by election support. On his Twitter he has made his it clear that he intends to run for the role of Leader of the Labour Party.

Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.

His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will…

— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) June 22, 2026

He is already popular amongst Labour Backbenchers and has been endorsed by the former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who was formally a favourite to be the next party leader.

Popular Labour figures, Ed Milliband and Angela Rayner also have some support for the job.