Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as Labour leader, setting in motion a leadership contest that will determine Britain’s next prime minister.
Speaking outside Downing Street, Sir Keir said he had accepted that Labour MPs no longer considered him the strongest person to take the party into another general election. He confirmed that he had informed the King of his decision and would remain prime minister until his successor was chosen.
“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace,” he said.
Labour’s governing body has been asked to establish the timetable for the contest. Nominations are expected to open on 9 July and close on 16 July, before Parliament begins its summer recess. If several candidates qualify, the party intends to have a new leader in place before MPs return in September.
Sir Keir promised to oversee an orderly transition and said his successor would receive “my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago.”
Andy Burnham is considered the early favourite after securing a decisive victory over Reform UK in the Makerfield by-election. The former Greater Manchester mayor has confirmed that he will enter the race after returning to Westminster as an MP.
His campaign received an immediate lift when Wes Streeting, previously viewed as a likely contender, announced that he would support Burnham. Streeting said the former mayor could unite Labour and confront the growing electoral threat posed by nationalist parties.
Burnham has indicated that his campaign will focus on economic growth, living costs, housing, public services, and opportunities for younger generations. He has not committed to calling an early general election if he becomes prime minister.
Sir Keir took charge of Labour in April 2020 and led the party to a landslide election victory in July 2024. However, his position weakened following disappointing election results, internal disputes over policy, and criticism of decisions made by Downing Street.
His departure means Britain is preparing for its seventh prime minister since 2016. Opposition parties have demanded a general election, arguing that another change of leader without a public vote would deepen frustration with Westminster politics.