Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Prime Minister after two years.
Starmer arrived at 10 Downing Street following Labour’s landslide General Election victory in 2024 with 411 House of Commons seats giving them a 174-seat majority.
But the 63-year-old confirmed plans to step down from the most powerful political role in the country on Monday (June 22) amid growing calls from party colleagues.
Liverpool MPs Kim Johnson and Ian Byrne backed efforts to trigger a leadership contest in the wake of the party suffering hefty losses in May’s local election results.
Despite that number of votes falling short, Starmer has faced renewed pressure after Merseyside-born Andy Burnham was elected as an MP for a second time.
The Old Roan native won the Makerfield by-election last Thursday which saw him installed as the early favourite to win the upcoming Labour leadership contest.
Starmer confirmed during his resignation speech that his successor will be in post before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
He said: “Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour party.
“I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.
“I will ask the national executive committee of the Labour party to set out a timetable, with nominations opening on the 9th of July and completed by the summer recess.
“In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September.
“I will remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.
“I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead and better able to ensure the Labour party secures a second term in office.”