UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Resigns in Emotional Farewell.

Starmer steps down after accepting Labour Party no longer sees him as best choice for next election.

In a tearful address outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as both party leader and prime minister, acknowledging that his party had lost confidence in his ability to lead them into the upcoming general election.

"The party has been asking whether I'm best placed to lead us into the next general election, and I've heard the answer," Starmer said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Throughout his speech, the outgoing leader defended his time in office, insisting that "every decision I have made has been about putting the country I love first." He has already informed King Charles III of his decision and asked Labour's National Executive Committee to kick off the process of finding his replacement.

The leadership contest is expected to begin on July 9, with a new leader set to be chosen before Parliament returns from its summer break in September. Starmer has pledged to stay on temporarily to ensure a smooth transition.

The Race to Replace Him:

All eyes are now on who will take over. Andy Burnham has emerged as the clear frontrunner, with many party members seeing him as a consensus candidate. Burnham is expected in Westminster later today after winning a by-election last week.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is also being mentioned as a potential contender, though party insiders suggest Burnham has the stronger support base.

A Bittersweet Farewell

Fighting back tears, Starmer thanked his wife Victoria, calling her his "rock," and expressed relief at being able to focus on being a "better husband and father."

He reflected on his proudest achievement—leading Labour back to power after what he described as inheriting a party that was "politically, financially and morally bankrupt."

Not everyone was sympathetic. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticized the move, saying the British public is "sick of being let down by an endless merry-go-round of prime ministers while nothing really changes."

Starmer's resignation comes just days after his health secretary also quit, signaling growing turmoil within his government. He led Labour to victory two years ago but has faced mounting pressure as his party's polling numbers have slipped.