- Burnham’s Makerfield triumph forces immediate, dramatic surrender
Sir Keir Starmer’s era as the Prime Minister of United Kingdom is officially over. Facing a crushing internal mutiny and the shocking parliamentary return of his fiercest rival, Andy Burnham, a beleaguered Starmer announced his resignation early today, Monday, June 22, 2026, barely two years after a historic landslide victory.
Succumbing to a relentless party rebellion to pave the way for the former Greater Manchester Mayor, the UK leader announced he will stand down as Prime Minister after days of intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers, following the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster.
Less than two years after a historic election victory, Starmer faced calls from his MPs to set out a timeline for his departure, with many of them unnerved by the threat from Nigel Farage’s party before the next general election.
However, the decision to announce his departure now kick-starts a race among Labour MPs to become the UK’s seventh Prime Minister in 10 years, with Burnham in pole position to win. If he is uncontested, he could be in Downing Street within weeks.
Speaking from a podium outside Downing Street on Monday, Starmer said: “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace. Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first, that is why I will resign as leader of the Labour party.”
Though Starmer had insisted on Friday that he would fight any leadership contest, conversations with ministers and time with his wife, Victoria, at Chequers over the weekend shifted his thinking as more than half a dozen cabinet ministers are understood to have privately told him his time was up.
Insiders hinted the development saw Starmer and his inner circle beginning work on drafts of a resignation speech on Saturday, with hints that he would ask Labour’s ruling national executive committee to set out a timetable for a contest with nominations opening on 9 July and completed by summer recess just a week later.
Starmer explained he would remain in post until parliament returns in September, meaning he will represent the UK at the next NATO summit in early July. However, if Burnham runs unchallenged, then he could take over as the Commons rises on 16 July.
In words aimed towards his likely successor, Starmer promised to do “everything I can” to ensure an orderly handover of power, despite what insiders have described as his earlier fury over Burnham’s ambitions, adding: “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.”
Burnham was being sworn in as an MP on Monday afternoon after seeing off Reform to win the Makerfield byelection last week. He is expected to easily clear the 81 nominations threshold required to run, with his allies saying they believe he has the support of well over 200 MPs.
I’m Not Good To Lead Labour In Next Election – Starmer
In his speech, which was watched on Downing Street by his closest ministerial allies and aides, Starmer’s voice broke with emotion as he paid tribute to friends and colleagues who had been at his side over the last six years as Labour leader – and to his family.
“When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy,” he said.
Saying he accepts the decision to quit with ‘good grace’ Starmer acknowledged that though it is time to go, “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.”
Von der Leyen Thanks Starmer
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has thanked Keir Starmer for his work with the EU on strengthening the European and Ukrainian security.
In a post responding to his resignation announcement, she said: “European and Ukrainian security stronger because of you. It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years.
“Thank you, dear Keir.”
Meanwhile, former Czech prime minister Petr Fiala also paid tribute to Starmer for his “clear and principled support for Ukraine”, helping to unlock “the new level of cooperation between the UK and the EU”. He said:
Today, rational and decent politicians face an increasingly difficult environment. Starmer moved the Labour Party towards the political centre and strengthened the United Kingdom’s position abroad. In the end, it was not enough.
