Starmer quits as Labour leader and paves way for contest for new prime minister
Starmer Steps Down as Labour Leader, Initiating New Prime Minister Contest
Starmer quits as Labour leader and paves - Sir Keir Starmer has announced his decision to resign from the leadership of the Labour Party, setting the stage for a leadership race to determine the next prime minister. During his speech at Downing Street, he acknowledged that he was no longer the optimal choice to guide the party into the upcoming general election and has notified the King of his intent to leave the role. Starmer has also requested the Labour executive to establish a schedule for his replacement, with nomination periods beginning on 9 July and concluding by 16 July. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, stating the new leader would be appointed before Parliament reconvenes in September. Despite his resignation, Starmer will remain as prime minister until the leadership contest is finalized.
Andy Burnham Emerges as Leadership Contender
Andy Burnham is widely seen as the leading candidate to succeed Starmer, following his decisive victory over a Reform UK opponent in the recent Makerfield by-election. On Monday, Burnham formally declared his candidacy, a move that was bolstered by support from Wes Streeting, previously his main rival. However, Al Carns, another potential contender, expressed uncertainty, stating he was "not ready to make a decision" on Monday evening. As Burnham arrived at Euston station, he praised Starmer's "dedication and service," focusing on his parliamentary duties ahead.
“You're jumping several hurdles ahead. My priority is to be sworn in as the MP for Makerfield,” Burnham stated.
Upon his formal induction as an MP, Burnham received enthusiastic applause from Labour members and some jeers from the opposition, with one MP remarking: “He's not the messiah.” He later joined over 200 Labour MPs in Westminster Hall for a group photo. Burnham is anticipated to deliver a speech next week, outlining his plans to stimulate economic growth while adhering to the government’s fiscal guidelines. His allies have yet to confirm his choice for chancellor, with one source noting: “No jobs have been given and no deals made.”
A Historic Leadership Transition
Starmer was elected Labour leader in April 2020 and assumed the role of prime minister on 5 July 2024 after a sweeping electoral win. His tenure as prime minister will be the shortest in Labour history, surpassing the previous Conservative leaders Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss but falling short of all six earlier Labour premiers. His departure marks the UK’s seventh prime minister since 2016. Speaking at a lectern in Downing Street, Starmer reflected on the party’s assessment, saying: “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.”
“When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job: being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad; and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.”
Starmer’s resignation speech was accompanied by the melody of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, a piece he once described as encapsulating the Labour Party’s spirit. He told Classic FM in 2023 that the symphony embodies “a sense of destiny and is hugely optimistic... it's that sense of moving forward to a better place.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves honored Starmer for his role in “building a stronger, more secure Britain,” highlighting their collaborative achievements and the work still ahead.
Former Labour deputy leader Angela Ra also commented on the transition, though her remarks were cut off in the original text.