Keir Starmer steps down as British prime minister, successor to be chosen before parliament returns in September

Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, as well as stepping down as leader of the Labour Party.

He said he had informed the King of this decision and had asked Labour’s National Executive Committee to set the timetable for choosing his successor. According to the plan made public, nominations will begin on July 9 and the entire process is expected to be completed before parliament’s summer recess.

This, Starmer said, means the new leader will take office before parliament returns in September. Until then, he stressed that he will continue to serve as prime minister.

Starmer also promised that the transfer of power would take place in an orderly manner and said he would give his full support to his successor. He stated that the next leader will inherit a Britain “stronger and fairer” than it was two years ago.

Before announcing his departure, Starmer said he had taken charge of a Labour Party that, in his view, was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt.” He recalled being told repeatedly that the party was “finished,” but underlined that he had “proved these people wrong.”

He went on to say that during his time leading the party, he had succeeded in transforming it by “rooting out the poison of antisemitism” and restoring trust in the economy, defence and national security.

In conclusion, Starmer expressed gratitude to his colleagues, the Downing Street staff and the civil service for their work and support over the past six years.