▲ UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on June 22, local time.
In an address to the nation outside 10 Downing Street this morning, Prime Minister Starmer stated, "I will be stepping down," adding, "I spoke with the King (Charles III) this morning to inform him of my decision."
This comes approximately two years after he took office on July 5, 2024, following his leadership in the Labour Party's landslide victory in the general election on July 4, 2024.
"I will ask the Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) to set a timetable for the (party leadership) nominations to begin on July 9 and conclude before the summer recess," Starmer explained. "I will ensure that a new party leader is in place before Parliament reconvenes in September."
He emphasized, "I will remain as Prime Minister until the leadership contest is concluded and will do everything in my power to ensure an orderly transition of power," adding that he would "fully support my successor."
Since becoming leader of the Labour Party in 2020, Starmer successfully led the party to a landslide victory in the July 2024 general election, achieving a change of government.
However, his approval ratings plummeted early in his term due to economic stagnation, a series of policy reversals, and the slow pace of reforms. The crushing defeat in local elections early last month dealt a decisive blow to his administration.
Andy Burnham, former Mayor of Greater Manchester and a leading candidate for the next Labour Party leader and Prime Minister, was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Makerfield constituency on the 18th, meeting the minimum requirement to serve as Prime Minister and is now preparing to run for party leadership.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.