Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed he is stepping down as Prime Minister after a devastating collapse in support from his own party, bringing his premiership to an abrupt and humiliating end.
In a sombre statement, Sir Keir sought to defend his record in office, insisting he had delivered meaningful change despite the growing unrest within Labour ranks that ultimately forced him from power.
The departing Prime Minister pointed to his economic agenda, falling NHS waiting lists, workers’ rights reforms, a reduction in small boat crossings and his controversial social media ban for under-16s as evidence of what he described as a government that had begun to deliver on its promises.
He also claimed Britain had regained its standing on the world stage under his leadership.
But the achievements he highlighted were not enough to persuade a growing number of Labour MPs that he remained the right person to lead the party into the next election.
“Our reputation internationally has been restored,” Sir Keir said, arguing that his government had returned stability and credibility to British politics after years of turmoil.
Starmer said: “I will resign as Prime Minister.”
The outgoing PM said: “I know the question being asked of us now is not who was best-placed to change the Labour Party to take us into power and to begin the vital work of improving lives for millions of people.
“Those questions have been answered. The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.
“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party loud and clear and I accept that answer with good grace.”
Watch live: My statement. https://t.co/MX7ga3FRGq
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 22, 2026
After weeks of speculation, private briefings and increasingly public criticism, the Prime Minister finally bowed to the pressure, acknowledging that the parliamentary party had lost confidence in his leadership.
His departure marks a dramatic turning point for Labour and opens the door to a leadership contest that many expect will be dominated by Andy Burnham, the former Cabinet minister and Greater Manchester Mayor whose support within the party has surged in recent weeks.
For Sir Keir, the resignation represents a remarkable fall for a leader who entered Downing Street promising national renewal and political stability.
Instead, he leaves office amid deep divisions within Labour, collapsing public support and mounting doubts over the government’s direction.
The immediate challenge now passes to Labour’s would-be successors, who must convince voters that a change of leader can succeed where the Starmer project failed.
For Westminster, meanwhile, the political earthquake many had predicted has finally arrived. The question now is not why Sir Keir Starmer has gone.
It is who will inherit the crisis he leaves behind.
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