Keir Starmer announces resignation as UK prime minister and Labour Party leader

Keir Starmer in a shocking yet expected move has announced his resignation as the prime minister of the UK and the leader of the Labour Party.

Speaking in a brief press conference at Downing 10 Street, Starmer stated that he had posed a fundamental question regarding his leadership heading into the next general election. Acknowledging that he has heard his party's response, he stated that he accepts their decision "with good grace."

Reflecting on his tenure, Starmer maintained that every decision he made was driven by a commitment to "putting the country I love first."

Consequently, he officially announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party.

“The question being asked now is not who was best placed to take our party into power. The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,”

“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. I accept that answer with good grace.”

"I will resign as leader of the Labour Party," he says.

According to Starmer, he has also informed King Charles of his decision to resign from this position and asked the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to chart out a timetable with nominations.

So the process of opting for a new leader of the party would be launched on July 9 and completed by the summer recess.

And the new leader will be chosen before parliament returns in September. Until then, Starmer will be the PM.

Keir Starmer has also pledged to ensure an orderly transition of power, offering his full support to his successor.

He expressed confidence that the incoming administration inherits a nation both stronger and fairer than it was two years ago.

In his final remarks, Starmer offered his gratitude to the colleagues and friends who have stood with him over the past six years, as well as the staff at Number 10 and the civil service, whom he described as "extraordinary."