Keir Starmer steps down as U.K. prime minister; successor due in July
New: Leadership hopefuls for the Labour Party can register on 9 July, while Starmer stays on until the transition ends before Parliament returns in September.
Keir Starmer stepped down as leader of the Labour Party, automatically ending his tenure as prime minister of Britain, on Monday (22/6). In a speech at 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he had informed the King of his decision and would remain in office until a successor is chosen. He asked the Labour Party's National Executive Committee to set a leadership election, with candidate registration opening on 9 July and the process to be completed before the summer recess ends. Earlier British media reports said Starmer faced heavy pressure from Labour members, as Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, rose as a potential successor.