rki.news | Sources Xinhua
London, June 22 – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he will step down as leader of the governing Labour Party, triggering a leadership contest to determine Britain’s next prime minister.
Speaking outside Downing Street, Starmer said he had accepted the view of Labour lawmakers regarding his leadership and would remain in office until a successor is chosen. He pledged an orderly transition and his full support for the new leader.
Starmer said Labour’s National Executive Committee would oversee the leadership election, with nominations opening on July 9. The contest is expected to conclude before Parliament returns in September.
Starmer became prime minister in July 2024 after leading Labour to victory in a general election that ended 14 years of Conservative rule. His government pledged to boost economic growth, improve public services, tackle irregular migration and restore political stability.
However, criticism of government policies and growing pressure within Labour intensified calls for a leadership change. The recent parliamentary by-election victory of Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, was widely seen as a key turning point.
Following Starmer’s announcement, Burnham confirmed he would seek the Labour leadership. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he would not enter the race and instead backed Burnham. Opposition figures, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, also reacted, with Farage calling for a general election.