Starmer's resignation speech Stays PM pending succession

Jun 22

In his complete address outside 10 Downing Street, Keir Starmer says he accepts his parliamentary party's answer on whether he should lead Labour into the next general election and will resign as party leader. He says he informed the King that morning. He will ask Labour's National Executive Committee for a timetable with nominations opening on 9 July and completed by the summer recess; if there is a contest, he expects a new leader before Parliament returns in September. He will remain Prime Minister until the contest is complete, ensure an orderly handover and fully support his successor. He describes the Labour Party he inherited as politically, financially and morally bankrupt, credits its reform and election victory, and claims improvements in the economy, public services, rights, defence, migration, poverty and international relationships during his government. Those achievements are his assessment. He closes by thanking colleagues, staff and his family.

On 22 June 2026 outside 10 Downing Street in London, Keir Starmer announces that he will resign as leader of the Labour Party after accepting his parliamentary party's assessment of whether he should lead it into the next general election. He says he has informed the King. He requests a succession timetable with nominations opening on 9 July and completed by the summer recess; if contested, he expects a new leader before Parliament returns in September. He says he will remain Prime Minister until the contest is complete, ensure an orderly handover and support his successor. His address also defends his party reforms and government's record. This occurrence is the resignation announcement and its proposed transition arrangements; the speech establishes neither a chosen successor nor a completed transfer of power.