Starmer announcing his resignation earlier today
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation following months of mounting political pressure, collapsing public approval ratings, and an escalating rebellion within his own Labour Party ranks.
In a statement delivered outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer confirmed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision to step down and requested that the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee begin the process of selecting a new leader. He will remain as caretaker prime minister until a successor is chosen before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
The resignation marks a dramatic end to Starmer’s leadership, which became increasingly unstable after a series of political setbacks and internal divisions culminated in a decisive by-election defeat that effectively opened the door to a leadership challenge.
The immediate trigger for Starmer’s departure was last week’s Makerfield by-election, where Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham secured a commanding victory to return to Parliament. Burnham, who enjoys strong support from Labour’s soft-left faction, is now widely viewed as a leading contender for the party leadership.
Political analysts described the by-election result as a turning point. Burnham’s victory not only demonstrated his electoral strength but also provided the legal and political pathway for him to challenge Starmer directly. Within days of the result, calls for Starmer’s resignation intensified across the party.
Starmer’s downfall was also fueled by a dramatic collapse in public support. Recent opinion surveys reportedly placed his approval ratings at historic lows, making him one of the least popular British leaders in modern times. Voters expressed growing frustration over persistent challenges facing the country, particularly pressure on public services, the rising cost of living, and continued concerns surrounding illegal immigration.
The worsening public mood was reflected in the Labour Party’s disappointing performance during the May local and regional elections. Labour suffered significant losses across England, Scotland, and Wales, raising alarm among party officials and lawmakers who feared the party would struggle to retain power at the next general election under Starmer’s leadership.
Internal opposition soon evolved into open rebellion. More than 100 Labour Members of Parliament reportedly withdrew their support for the prime minister and demanded a clear timetable for his departure. Several senior cabinet figures also joined the calls for change, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
The growing unrest followed months of tensions within government. High-profile resignations among defence officials over disputes concerning military funding had already exposed divisions within Starmer’s administration and weakened confidence in his leadership.
Compounding the crisis were a series of controversial policy reversals that left both supporters and critics questioning the government’s direction. Public confidence was further damaged by controversy surrounding Starmer’s appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States. Critics pointed to Mandelson’s historic links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, generating sustained political scrutiny and media attention.
In his resignation announcement, Starmer acknowledged the challenges facing both the government and the Labour Party but said it was time for new leadership to take the country forward.
The Labour Party’s National Executive Committee is expected to launch a formal leadership contest, with nominations opening on July 9 and closing before Parliament rises for its summer recess on July 16.
The contest is likely to be closely watched as Labour seeks to restore unity and rebuild public confidence after one of the most turbulent periods in the party’s recent history. For now, Starmer remains in office as caretaker prime minister while the race to succeed him begins.
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