British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he is resigning as leader of the Labour Party and as Prime Minister. He said he will stay in the job until a new leader is chosen.
Starmer made the emotional announcement outside 10 Downing Street. He explained that his party wants to know if he is the best person to lead them into the next election. Every decision he made, he said, was about putting the country first.
Starmer led Labour to a big win in the 2024 general election with a large majority. However, his time in office faced problems like economic challenges, policy changes, and falling popularity. Pressure grew after poor local election results and a key by-election win by rival Andy Burnham.
Andy Burnham, the popular former mayor of Greater Manchester, has confirmed he will run to replace Starmer. Many in the party support him. Nominations for the leadership contest are expected to open soon, with a new leader in place before parliament returns in September.
This means Britain will have its seventh prime minister in about 10 years. The change shows the fast-moving nature of UK politics.
