BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER RESIGNS AFTER LESS THAN TWO YEARS IN OFFICE
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Agency Report
Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after less than two years in office, marking a turbulent tenure shaped by policy reversals, political pressure and declining public support.
In an emotional address outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, Starmer said his decision was driven by a desire to prioritise national interest.
“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,” he said, appearing visibly moved.
He confirmed that the Labour Party would begin the process of selecting a new leader in July, adding that he would remain in office as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen, expected before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
Starmer noted that he would ensure an orderly transition of power, saying he would support whoever emerges as the next party leader.
His announcement follows months of political pressure, including internal party tensions, policy controversies and several high-profile resignations. Despite previously insisting he would remain in office, his position weakened in recent months amid criticism over domestic policy decisions and defence spending plans.
The resignation also comes against the backdrop of the growing influence of the far-right Reform UK party, which has been eroding Labour’s support base in recent local elections.
Andy Burnham, a senior Labour figure, is widely expected to emerge as a potential contender for the party leadership after securing a return to Parliament through a recent special election.
Starmer’s departure marks another moment of political instability in the United Kingdom, which has seen frequent leadership changes over the past decade following the Brexit referendum and successive government crises.
Despite stepping down, he said he remained proud of Labour’s 2024 general election victory, which ended 14 years of Conservative rule, and insisted he would support the incoming leadership.
“I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support,” he said, adding that the next leader would inherit a “far stronger and fairer” country than the one he took over.
Former Labour heavyweight Peter Mandelson was also referenced in political debates during Starmer’s tenure, which included controversy over key appointments and internal party decisions.
AFP
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