Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, announced his resignation from both the premiership and the leadership of the Labour Party on June 22. This marks the sixth change in UK prime ministers over the past decade.
According to reports from the BBC and others, Starmer made the announcement during a public address outside 10 Downing Street in London, stating, "I will resign today," and added that he had informed King Charles III of his decision earlier that morning. This comes nearly two years after he successfully led the Labour Party to a decisive victory in the July 2024 general election.
Starmer acknowledged that questions had arisen within the party regarding whether he was the right person to lead in the next general election. He stated, "I have heard the party's answer to that question, and I accept it willingly." He emphasized that all his decisions were made with the best interests of his beloved country in mind.
He requested the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party to set a schedule for the leadership election. Candidate registration will begin on July 9, and the election process is expected to be completed before Parliament reconvenes in September.
However, Starmer confirmed that he would remain in office until the election concludes, pledging to do everything possible for a smooth transition of power and to fully support his successor.
Reflecting on his tenure, Starmer remarked, "I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially, and morally bankrupt. I have heard countless times that the Labour Party was finished, but I have proven them wrong." He noted that he had eradicated the "poison" of anti-Semitism from the party and restored trust in economic, defense, and national security matters.
Starmer became the leader of the Labour Party in 2020 and achieved a significant victory in the July 2024 general election, leading to a change in government. However, following his administration's struggles with economic slowdown, policy reversals, and slow reform progress, his approval ratings plummeted, and pressure for his resignation intensified after recent local election defeats.
Potential candidates to succeed Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister include former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who recently won a by-election in the Makerfield constituency, meeting the parliamentary entry requirements necessary for a leadership challenge.
Meanwhile, the UK has seen six prime ministers change hands in the decade since the Brexit referendum in 2016.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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