Keir Starmer made an emotional announcement today outside No10, stating his intention to step down as Prime Minister. Yielding to pressure from MPs and senior Cabinet members, Mr. Starmer expressed his decision to resign once a new leader of the Labour Party is elected. Following Labour’s significant general election victory almost two years ago, Starmer acknowledged the party’s concerns about his leadership capabilities moving forward.

Addressing the public, the Prime Minister accepted his party’s verdict with grace, admitting that he will focus on his family after leaving his current role. Starmer expressed gratitude towards his wife, Vic, and emphasized the importance of being a devoted husband and father to his children. This announcement coincided with Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster following his recent victory in the Makerfield by-election.

Keir Starmer confirmed that he had requested the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party to establish a timeline for the selection of the next party leader. Nominations for the new leader are set to open on July 9 and close before the start of the summer recess on July 16. The Prime Minister assured that he will continue in his position until the leadership contest is finalized, ensuring a smooth transition of power.

The timing of Starmer’s departure from office remains uncertain, pending the possibility of a leadership contest. Supporters of Andy Burnham are advocating for a seamless transfer of power to the former Greater Manchester Mayor. If uncontested, Burnham could assume leadership of the Labour Party and become Prime Minister by mid-July, subject to the absence of other ambitious contenders within the party.

Following Starmer’s resignation, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced his endorsement of Andy Burnham for the top leadership position. Streeting, who previously considered running himself, emphasized the importance of unity within the party and voiced support for Burnham’s vision for change. Prospective leadership candidates must secure backing from at least 81 MPs, among other requirements, to be eligible for the ballot.

The selection process is expected to involve a series of public engagements, or hustings, across the country during the summer months before party members receive the ballot papers. A special conference is likely to be held in late summer to announce the new leader based on a majority vote system. If no contest arises, Andy Burnham could potentially assume the role of Prime Minister by July 17; however, in the event of a leadership challenge, a new Prime Minister is anticipated to be in place by September 1, coinciding with the Parliament’s return from the summer recess.