Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party on June 23, 2026, in a statement outside 10 Downing Street. He stated that he accepted he was not best placed to lead Labour into the next general election and had informed King Charles III of his decision to step down.
Starmer added that he has asked Labour's governing body to set out a timeline for a leadership election. He thanked his cabinet, party members, and the public for their support during his tenure.
The resignation follows a period of political challenges for Starmer, who became Prime Minister in July 2024 after Labour's landslide victory. His departure triggers a leadership contest within the Labour Party, with potential candidates expected to emerge in the coming days.
Political analysts note that Starmer's resignation marks a significant shift in UK politics, as the country prepares for a new leader ahead of the next general election, which must be held by January 2029.
