UK PM Keir Starmer Resigns as Prime Minister and Labour Leader, New Leader Set to Be Elected by September

Today (22 June 2026), during the morning local time outside 10 Downing Street in London, Mr. Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, delivered a public statement officially announcing his resignation from his positions as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister. He stated that he would remain in office until the Labour Party elects a new leader to ensure a smooth and stable transition of power.

Mr. Starmer further stated that he had informed King Charles III of his decision earlier that morning. He candidly admitted that the majority of Labour MPs believed he was no longer the best person to lead the party into the next general election. He accepted this decision and promised to give his successor his full and unequivocal support. Mr. Starmer led the Labour Party to a general election victory and assumed office in July 2024, meaning his premiership lasted less than two years.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) subsequently released the upcoming schedule for the leadership election. Nominations for the contest will officially open on 9 July 2026, with the hustings stage expected to be completed before the parliamentary summer recess on 16 July 2026. If multiple candidates enter the race, the ballot will take place during the summer recess to ensure a new Prime Minister is in place before Parliament resumes on 1 September 2026. Currently, Mr. Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester who recently returned to Parliament via a by-election victory in the Makerfield constituency, has officially announced his candidacy, securing endorsements from key party figures including former Health Secretary Wes Secretary Wes Streeting.

SOURCE : Xinhua