Starmer steps down after Labour revolt and by-election blow, triggering leadership race

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned, ending a brief and turbulent tenure marked by record-low approval ratings and internal party strife. He submitted his resignation to King Charles III after losing a special election to former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who is now tipped to succeed him, according to Variety. Starmer becomes the sixth British prime minister to resign without facing a general election in the last decade, as reported by Deadline. "He becomes the sixth British PM to resign without facing an election in the last decade." The resignation came after mounting pressure from his own Labour Party lawmakers, Nigel Farage's Reform UK, and the electorate, with historically low poll ratings, according to Deadline. The New York Post reported that Starmer was discussing his departure timeline with his wife, Victoria, and planned to step down from 10 Downing Street next week, though sources close to him initially claimed he remained focused on his job. Starmer delivered his resignation in an address outside 10 Downing Street, stepping down after winning a landslide election with Labour in 2024, according to The Hollywood Reporter. His resignation triggers a Labour leadership contest, with hopes of a new prime minister before Parliament returns in September, the outlet added. The Canary criticized Starmer's resignation speech as hypocritical and highlighted his failures during his tenure, noting that his position had been weakened by Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election and by Wes Streeting's earlier resignation. "His resignation triggers a leadership contest, with hopes of a new Labour prime minister before Parliament returns in September." Starmer's departure marks the latest chapter in a period of rapid turnover in British politics, with the country continuing to struggle economically post-Brexit, as The Hollywood Reporter noted. The Labour Party must now select a new leader to govern the country, with Burnham widely seen as the frontrunner, according to Variety.

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