Starmer to quit as Labour leader after party revolt

Keir Starmer said Monday he will resign as leader of the Labour Party after losing the support of his parliamentary party, Al Jazeera reported. The decision starts a leadership contest inside Britain’s governing party while Starmer remains prime minister until a successor is chosen.

Starmer, who entered Downing Street in 2024, made the announcement outside No 10 after a challenge from new Labour legislator Andy Burnham, according to Al Jazeera. The broadcaster reported that Starmer had been weakened by a series of scandals and missteps before his party turned against his continued leadership.

In his remarks, Starmer said he had informed King Charles III of his decision that morning. He said he would ask Labour’s National Executive Committee to set the timetable for the contest, with nominations opening on July 9 and the process finished by the summer recess.

If Labour needs a contested election, Starmer said the schedule would allow a replacement to be in place before Parliament returns in September. He said he would remain in office as prime minister during the process and work to provide an orderly transfer of power.

Starmer used much of the speech to defend his record in government and his earlier leadership of Labour. He said the party he took over six years ago had been in severe political, financial and moral trouble, and argued that his leadership had made it electable again after 14 years out of power.

He pointed to changes inside Labour, including efforts to address antisemitism, rebuild credibility on the economy and national security, and present the party as patriotic. He said the purpose of those changes was to improve Britain rather than to win office for its own sake.

Starmer also listed what he described as achievements during two years in power. He cited stronger growth, wages rising faster than inflation, new investment, infrastructure projects, an end to austerity, reduced National Health Service waiting lists, expanded rights for workers and renters, higher defence spending, fewer small boat crossings, asylum hotel closures and measures to protect young people from social media.

He said his government had lifted half a million children out of poverty and restored Britain’s standing abroad. He also referred to trade deals, support for Ukraine, closer ties with European allies and a foreign policy based on decency, respect and the rule of law.

Starmer said the issue before Labour was whether he remained the right person to lead the party into the next general election. He said he had heard the answer from Labour MPs and accepted it.

He pledged to support the next Labour leader, saying the successor would inherit a country he described as stronger and fairer than the one he took over. He also said the party would be better placed to win a second term.

Starmer thanked colleagues, No 10 staff and the civil service. Al Jazeera reported that he became emotional near the end of the speech as he thanked his wife, Victoria Starmer, and said he hoped to spend more time with her and their children after leaving what he called the country’s biggest job.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.