Keir Starmer resigned as prime minister of the United Kingdom on Monday. He formally submitted his resignation to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. Starmer then backed Andy Burnham as his successor.
Starmer served as prime minister for two years. He entered office after Labour secured a landslide victory. Political pressure and internal party challenges mounted over time. On June 22, Starmer announced his decision to step down as Labour leader. He remained in the role temporarily to ensure a smooth transition.
Earlier on Monday, Starmer delivered his final speech outside 10 Downing Street. He addressed an applauding crowd and declared, “My work is done.” Starmer described serving as prime minister as “the privilege of my life.” He wished Burnham every success in the role.
Starmer traveled to Buckingham Palace after the speech. He tendered his resignation in a brief meeting with the king. The process followed Britain’s parliamentary traditions. No general election took place because Labour held a strong majority in Parliament.
Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, quickly assumed the role. King Charles III invited Burnham to form a new government. Burnham then arrived at Downing Street. He addressed the nation and stated that Britain must “regain our stability.”
Burnham won a Westminster seat in a recent by-election. He secured overwhelming support within the Labour Party. As the new prime minister, Burnham pledged immediate action on issues such as homelessness and the cost-of-living crisis. He also outlined plans for long-term stability.
The leadership change occurred without a national vote. It highlighted ongoing turbulence in British politics. Starmer left office after navigating several challenges during his tenure.
Burnham, known for his affable style and northern roots, now leads the country as the seventh prime minister in the past decade.
