Lagatar24 Desk
London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Labour Party leader after nearly 23 months in office, paving the way for the United Kingdom’s seventh prime minister in a decade. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he would remain in post until the leadership contest concludes to ensure an orderly handover of power.
Why He Resigned
Starmer’s exit was not sudden. Pressure had been building within Labour over months as the party’s popularity declined sharply since his landslide election victory in July 2024. His government struggled on economic growth and cost-of-living issues, and his premiership was further damaged by the appointment of scandal-tainted former MP Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US — who was later sacked after links emerged with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Labour Party also faces a two-front electoral squeeze, losing liberal voters to the Green Party while facing a strong challenge from Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK party.
Who Could Succeed Him
The Labour Party is yet to elect a successor. Andy Burnham, former Mayor of Greater Manchester and a recent winner of a parliamentary by-election, is considered a frontrunner. Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who had previously criticised Starmer’s leadership, is also expected to contest.
Sixth Premature PM in Ten Years
Starmer joins a long list of British prime ministers who have left office ahead of schedule. Before him were Liz Truss, who lasted under 45 days, Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson, Theresa May, and David Cameron, who triggered the Brexit referendum that set off a decade of political instability.
