As expected, Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and as leader of the Labour Party on Monday morning (June 22).

In a statement delivered at Downing Street, he emphasized, among other things, that “I inherited a party that many considered bankrupt… But we proved them wrong. We have once again become a proud party.”

He then added: “The question is whether I am the right person to lead the party into the next election.” Starmer went on to say that he had “heard the party’s answer” to that question and that he “accepts that answer in good faith,” emphasizing that every decision he had made was for the “good of his country.”

On that basis, he announced that he is stepping down as leader of the Labour Party and has informed the King of his decision.

The timeline: The “battle” for the leadership
begins on July 9. Starmer has asked the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee to set a timeline for the party leadership race, with nominations opening on July 9.

The nomination period will end before the summer parliamentary recess, on July 16.

If a contest involving multiple candidates ensues, the announced timeline will ensure that there is a new Labour leader by the time Parliament reconvenes in September, as he noted.

Starmer “will remain in the position of prime minister until the leadership election is completed” and that “he will do everything he can to ensure a smooth handover of power.”

He added that he would offer his full support to his successor.

Source: cnn.gr