UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer steps down

The decision was directly linked to a lack of support for Starmer’s continued leadership within the ruling party. King Charles III was informed of the resignation earlier. The politician will remain in his posts as head of government and party leader until the party elects his successor. This is expected to take place by September at the latest. The resignation triggers the procedure for electing a new leader of the Labour Party, who will simultaneously hold the office of Prime Minister. Nominations can be submitted starting July 9.

The ruling Labour Party in the United Kingdom is facing poor polling results. The situation was worsened by unfavorable results for the party in English local elections and elections to the Welsh and Scottish parliaments. Starmer faced a rebellion within his own ranks, with many party members demanding his resignation. Earlier, Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, considered an ally of the Prime Minister, resigned from his post.

A potential successor is emerging in the form of Starmer’s rival, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. The politician won a decisive victory in the by-election in Makerfield in northern England and will be sworn in as a Member of Parliament on June 22 in the House of Commons.

It is worth noting that the position of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has been highly unstable in recent years. Since September 6, 2022, the UK has cycled through three (about to be four) different prime ministers. These frequent changes are the result of many factors, including the Brexit fallout, internal disagreements within the ruling parties, economic crises, and personal scandals.