BREAKING: UK’s PM Keir Starmer Tells Nation He Quits
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday he would resign, promising to ensure an orderly transfer of power to a new leader by September at the latest to try to avoid political instability as Britain prepares for its seventh leader in 10 years.
In an emotional speech, Starmer said he had listened to his governing Labour Party and realised that he was no longer the man who should lead it into a national election due in 2029.
After spending weeks saying he would fight any challenge to his position as prime minister, Starmer spent the weekend reflecting on his political future at his country residence, watching support for him in the party drain away.
In Downing Street, outside his office and London residence, Starmer said he would ask the Labour Party’s organising committee to set out a timeline for a leadership contest to find his replacement.
Nominations would open on July 9, close by mid-July, and if there is a contest, a new leader will be in place by September. He did not mention his rival, Andy Burnham, who is widely expected to replace him.
“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 from my parliamentary party to that question and I accept that answer with good grace,” he said.
After describing the achievements his government had secured in his two years of power, a man who was often criticised for being robotic, became visibly emotional, his voice cracking when he thanked his family for their support.
“When I leave the biggest job in the country I will 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.”
REUTERS
