Key facts
- Keir Starmer announced his resignation as British prime minister on June 22, 2026.
- A Labour leadership contest will be launched, with nominations open until July 9.
- A new Labour leader is expected to be in place by September.
- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, positioning him to challenge Starmer.
- Starmer's Labour government has faced struggles, losses in local elections, and policy U-turns since taking office in 2024.
Keir Starmer announced his departure as British prime minister on Monday, June 22, 2026, bowing to pressure after a key rival decisively won a by-election. In a statement outside No. 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he had informed King Charles III of his decision to resign and initiated a Labour leadership contest. The move comes after Labour's Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, making him eligible to challenge Starmer for the party leadership. Starmer stated he will remain in place until the contest is complete, aiming for a new leader by the summer parliamentary recess in September. Since taking office with a strong majority in 2024, Starmer's Labour government has faced challenges, including significant losses in local elections to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, multiple scandals, and policy U-turns. Burnham is expected to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament on Monday. Starmer cited achievements such as a stronger economy, rising wages, reduced NHS waiting lists, improved workers' rights, and restored international reputation.