UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation, sets timeline for successor | WATCH

London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he will step down as Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, triggering a leadership contest that is expected to produce a new UK leader by mid-July.

The 63-year-old said he would remain in office until the governing Labour Party elects a successor, signalling the start of a crucial transition period for the government after Labour returned to power.

In an emotional statement outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer acknowledged that support within his parliamentary party had shifted, prompting his decision to leave office.

"The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election," Starmer said. "I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question and I accept that answer with good grace."

Framing his resignation as a move made in the national interest, he added that every major decision during his tenure had been guided by what he believed was best for the country.

The outgoing Prime Minister also revealed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision earlier on Monday.

Starmer said the Labour Party's National Executive Committee would immediately begin the process of selecting a new leader. Under the proposed timetable, nominations are set to open on July 9, with the contest expected to conclude before Parliament breaks for its summer recess on July 17.

Attention has already turned to potential successors, with Andy Burnham widely viewed as the frontrunner after his return to the House of Commons following a key by-election victory last week. If elected Labour leader, Burnham would be expected to become the next Prime Minister.

The leadership contest is likely to dominate British politics over the coming weeks as Labour seeks to ensure a smooth transfer of power while maintaining stability in government.

With PTI inputs