Keir Starmer UK Prime Minister and Labour leader has resigned

Today, Monday 22 June 2026, Keir Starmer UK Prime Minister stood outside 10 Downing Street and said he is stepping down. He will stay as Prime Minister until Labour chooses a new leader. A new leader should be ready before Parliament returns in September.

Why did the UK Prime Minister resign?

Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, said his party does not think he is the best person to lead them into the next election. He accepted this “with good grace”.

He had faced months of problems:

• Low popularity

• Economic troubles (high bills, slow growth)

• Party scandals and poor local election results

• Pressure from his own MPs

Many in Labour wanted a change. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is expected to run for leader and is the strong favourite.

What the UK Prime Minister said

In his speech he told the country:

• Becoming Prime Minister was the proudest moment of his life.

• He put “the country I love first”.

• He thanked his wife Vic and his children.

• He has spoken to the King about his decision.

What happens next in the run-up to a new UK Prime Minister?

• Labour will hold a leadership contest.

• Nominations open soon.

• The winner will become the new Prime Minister.

• This will be the UK’s seventh Prime Minister in ten years.

Starmer leaves after less than two years in power following a big election win in 2024. His time in office was difficult, but he said every decision was made to help the country.

This is big news for Britain. People are watching to see who will lead next.