Starmer is the sixth Prime Minister in 10 years – a period of turmoil that has followed the U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union
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NEED TO KNOW
- U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned from his position and the leader of the Labour Party on Monday, June 22
- Starmer told King Charles, 77, of his decision in a phone call earlier in the day
- The next prime minister is expected to be Andy Burnham, who became a member of Parliament in a special election on June 18
Sir Keir Starmer, the U.K. prime minister, resigned early on Monday, June 22.
The decision came just hours after President Donald Trump wrote on his TruthSocial account, “Keir Starmer will resign.”
Trump added, "He failed badly on two very important subjects- IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well!"
Speculation surrounding Starmer's future has been rampant in the British media for several weeks.
Starmer, 63, spent the weekend with his wife, Victoria, at the prime minister’s official country residence in Buckinghamshire, England. Then, shortly after 9:30 a.m. local time on Monday, Starmer delivered the news outside of 10 Downing Street in London.
The prime minister called entering the famous residence two years ago after the landslide Labour Party victory of July 2024 the “proudest day” of his life, before listing the achievements of his leadership, such as “restoring trust on the economy, defense and national security.”
However, he added that he had “heard the answer” to the question from his party about who was best place to lead them forward. “I am putting the country I love first. I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.”
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Starmer became visibly emotional at the end of his speech, praising Victoria for her support.
Close to tears, his voice cracking, Starmer praised his “fantastic” wife and said he was looking forward to being the “best dad that I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and joy.”
Victoria then stepped forward from where she was standing with Starmer’s staff and supporters, and they embraced before turning and walking back through the famous front door.
Starmer also shared that he spoke to King Charles before he made his address.
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The palace confirmed the meeting, saying the call was taken by Charles, 77, at his country home Highgrove, in Gloucestershire, England, where he was in residence. Starmer is already Charles’ third prime minister since he became monarch at the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. She had only 15 across her entire 70-year reign.
In a period of political turmoil in the 10 years since the U.K. voted to leave the European Union, there have been six prime ministers.
Starmer outlined the plan to choose his successor, noting that nominations for any contenders must come forward by July 9. Then, there will be a contest, with the new person in place by the start of the new parliamentary term in September.
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Starmer became prime minister less than two years ago, in July 2024, with a landslide victory, securing a majority of 174 over nearest rivals the Conservative Party which had governed for 14 years.
After weeks of uncertainty, the final straw for Starmer came last Thursday, June 18, when rival Andy Burnham was elected in a special election to become a new member of Parliament. That enabled him to stand as leader of the ruling Labour Party. With a reported more than 100 MPs favoring Burnham over Starmer, the writing was on the wall for the embattled leader.
Burnham will arrive in Westminster on June 22, hours after he confirmed his decision to bid to be elected leader of the Labour Party. The party holds the majority in the House of Commons, and its leader will then become the next prime minister.
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