Key facts
- Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described his resignation as "intensely personal".
- Starmer will continue in office until a successor is chosen by the Labour Party.
- He emphasized the ongoing need for diplomatic focus, citing the Ukraine and Iran conflicts' impact on living costs.
- Andy Burnham, recently elected MP for Makerfield, is identified as a likely successor.
Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described his decision to step down from office as "intensely personal." In his first interview since resigning last month, Starmer told the BBC that the choice was difficult and involved grappling with what was best for himself, the country, and the government.
Starmer will continue to serve as Prime Minister until the Labour Party appoints a successor. He also issued a warning to his likely successor, Andy Burnham, emphasizing that significant time must be dedicated to diplomacy and international affairs. Starmer highlighted the impact of the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran on the cost of living, stating that any Prime Minister concerned with household bills must address these global situations.
Burnham, who previously served as the MP for Leigh and then as mayor of Greater Manchester, recently returned to Westminster after winning the Makerfield by-election in June. He has focused on domestic issues, pledging to move away from trickle-down economics and neoliberalism. Following his by-election victory, Burnham stated that Labour has a "final chance to change" and to "build a new politics based on unity and hope."