Sir Keir Starmer has formally ended his premiership after tendering his resignation to King Charles at Buckingham Palace, completing the constitutional process that brings Labour’s latest chapter in government to a close.
The outgoing Prime Minister arrived at the palace with his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, for a private audience with the King, where he officially resigned as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.
The ceremony followed centuries-old constitutional convention, although the setting was unusual. Due to ongoing renovation works at Buckingham Palace, the couple entered through the building’s luggage entrance before being directed to the Chinese Dining Room rather than the traditional state rooms used for such occasions.
Despite the unconventional surroundings, the significance of the moment remained unchanged: the formal transfer of political authority from one prime minister to another.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed that the King had accepted Starmer’s resignation.
“Sir Keir Starmer MP had an audience of The King this morning and tendered his resignation as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury which His Majesty was graciously pleased to accept,” the statement said.
The private meeting offered an opportunity for the monarch and outgoing premier to reflect on Starmer’s time in office, with a single official photograph expected to be released.
Lady Starmer and the couple’s two children also attended the palace, with the family receiving a separate audience with the King.
The resignation marks the end of a turbulent period in British politics, with Starmer’s premiership defined by ambitious reform promises, economic pressures and mounting political challenges.
Attention now turns to Andy Burnham, who is expected to arrive at Buckingham Palace shortly afterwards to accept the King’s invitation to form a government.
His appointment will complete one of Westminster’s most closely watched transitions in recent years, as Labour moves from Starmer’s leadership to Burnham’s new political direction.
Markets, businesses and public institutions will now await early signals from the incoming Prime Minister on economic policy, public spending, constitutional reform and his plans for reshaping the relationship between central government and the regions.
The change of leadership may be completed within minutes at the palace, but the political consequences are likely to shape Britain’s direction for years to come.
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