British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced he is stepping down as leader of the governing Labour Party, saying he will remain as caretaker prime minister until a new party leader is chosen in the coming weeks.
Starmer’s decision follows mounting pressure within the party amid declining public support for both his leadership and the Labour government. He has been in office since leading Labour to a landslide election victory in July 2024.
His departure was triggered by the victory of Andy Burnham in a special election last week. Burnham, a popular former mayor of Greater Manchester, is expected to challenge for the Labour leadership after securing a seat in Parliament, a result he described as a “turning point” for U.K. politics.
In an emotional farewell statement, Starmer said that after leaving what he described as “the biggest job in the country,” he would focus 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,” he said.
“And being the best dad that I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and joy.”
Starmer embraced his wife before returning to 10 Downing Street, bringing his announcement to a close.
