Keir Starmer Sir Keir Starmer announced he will step down as leader of the Labour Party, triggering a leadership contest to choose his successor while he remains prime minister until the process is complete.

He said he no longer believed he was best placed to lead the party into the next general election and has asked for a timetable for replacing him.

Senior figures including Andy Burnham have entered the race, with others such as Wes Streeting and Al Carns shaping the emerging contest.

Starmer’s resignation follows mounting internal pressure, recent electoral setbacks, and criticism over policy changes and party leadership decisions, the BBC has reported.

He said he would ensure an orderly transition and pledged support for whoever succeeds him as Labour leader and prime minister.