Keir Starmer resigns as UK prime minister and Labour leader

Keir Starmer announced his resignation as British prime minister and leader of the Labour Party in a public statement outside 10 Downing Street on 22 June 2026. He will remain in office as caretaker until a new party leader is chosen.

By Rachel Graham1 min read

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Keir Starmer announced his resignation as prime minister and Labour leader during a public address outside 10 Downing Street on 22 June 2026. He stated that he had received feedback from his parliamentary party regarding his suitability to lead ahead of the next general election.

The formal contest to replace Starmer will begin on 9 July and close when Parliament recesses on 16 July. Former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is the leading candidate to succeed him, having won a special election for a parliamentary seat.

Wes Streeting, who resigned as health secretary, has indicated he will enter the leadership race if a contest occurs. No new major policy or spending commitments will be made until a new prime minister is appointed.