22.6.2026
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Monday that he is stepping side from his role as leader of the Labour Party but will remain as caretaker prime minister until a new candidate is elected.
He became the seventh Prime Minister that will resign from the post since Britain made its exit from the European Union on June 23, 2016. Other PMs who threw in the towel are David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.
Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, a favourite to replace Starmer, won a local election to gain a seat in the House of Commons.
Following mounting pressure within the party for a change in leadership, Starmer has begun the process of mapping out a timeline to hand over power.
“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” Starmer said as he choked up in an emotional speech outside 10 Downing Street.
Starmer said the process of picking a new Labour Party leader would be launched in July and he would remain as prime minister until his successor is chosen, to be in place in September.
His departure comes after the former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, a favourite to replace Starmer, won a local election to gain a seat in the House of Commons.
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen praised Starmer for bolstering “European” security.
“It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years. European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you. Thank you, dear Keir,” von der Leyen posted online.
Keir Starmer...throws in the towel.