LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as leader of the Labour Party after days of mounting pressure from senior MPs and cabinet ministers.
Starmer said the decision follows internal party concerns over leadership direction and growing political pressure ahead of the next general election.
According to party sources, several cabinet ministers privately urged him to resign, while discussions within his inner circle over the weekend focused on a potential leadership transition.
Reports indicate that drafting of a resignation speech began on Saturday after consultations at Chequers, where Starmer spent time with his wife Victoria.
His resignation is expected to trigger a Labour Party leadership contest. Potential contenders include Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
Burnham is seen by some MPs as a frontrunner following his recent political momentum, while others expect a full contest to avoid a quick coronation.
Starmer will remain in office at Downing Street until a new leader is elected or a formal handover is completed.
Starmer announces he will ‘resign as leader of the Labour party’
He said he made all decisions “in the national interest” and stated that he accepted the party’s judgment with “good grace.”
Starmer said he inherited a Labour Party that was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt.”
He added that the decision to step down followed his assessment that he was no longer best placed to lead the party into the next general election.
The resignation comes after months of internal pressure and earlier calls for leadership change from within the party, including senior figures in Scotland.
Despite political challenges, Starmer had recently strengthened his position through his handling of foreign policy issues and domestic political stability concerns.
