Keir Starmer has announced he will quit as Prime Minister after a tumultuous two years in the job. He will stand down and is expected to be replaced by newly-elected MP Andy Burnham.
Resignation Statement
Starmer confirmed he will be quitting as Labour leader in a statement outside Downing Street. He will hand over to his successor as PM in the autumn. His decision to walk away comes after support among voters, Labour MPs and his own Cabinet ebbed away.
Succession Plans
Burnham, who will be sworn in this afternoon as the MP for Makerfield after last week’s by-election triumph, is likely to take over in the autumn. A leadership contest could take place, but party sources favourable to Burnham said they would prefer a coronation. One MP said Burnham, who is still the mayor of Greater Manchester, would need a "bit of time" to prepare for becoming Prime Minister.
Reactions and Implications
The resignation marks a dramatic end to Starmer's tenure, which began with a landslide victory but was marred by internal divisions and declining public confidence. Political editor Paul Hutcheon noted that Burnham's ascension could signal a shift in Labour's direction, particularly regarding Scottish affairs.
