JUST IN: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Resigns After Less Than Two Years In Office

By Onoja Baba

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation after serving less than two years in office, bringing an end to a turbulent tenure marked by policy reversals, political controversies and declining public support.

Starmer made the announcement on Monday in an emotional address outside 10 Downing Street, saying every decision he made while in office was guided by his commitment to putting the United Kingdom first.

He disclosed that he would step down as leader of the Labour Party while remaining prime minister until a successor is elected.

The process to elect a new Labour leader is expected to begin in July, with a new prime minister expected to take office before Parliament resumes after the summer recess in September.

The resignation comes despite Starmer’s repeated insistence in recent months that he intended to remain in office.

His government had come under increasing pressure following a series of scandals, policy missteps and high profile resignations within the Labour Party.

One of the leading contenders to succeed him is veteran politician Andy Burnham, who is set to return to Parliament after winning a crucial special election.

His return is expected to strengthen his bid for the Labour Party leadership.

Starmer rose to power after leading Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. However, his administration later faced criticism over welfare reforms, defence spending plans and the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington, a decision that sparked widespread backlash.

His government also struggled to contain the growing popularity of the anti immigration Reform UK party, which dealt Labour a significant setback in recent local elections.

In his farewell remarks, Starmer pledged his full support for whoever succeeds him, expressing confidence that the next leader would inherit a stronger and fairer Britain than the one he took over nearly two years ago.