Keir Starmer Resigns as Burnham Becomes UK PM
Keir Starmer formally resigned as Britain’s prime minister on Monday, saying he was leaving office with “good grace” and pride in his government’s record as Andy Burnham prepared to take charge.
Keir Starmer delivers farewell speech
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his work as prime minister was complete and thanked the British public for giving him the opportunity to serve.
He said he was leaving office with a smile and remained proud of his administration’s achievements. Starmer also offered his full support to Burnham, describing the transition as passing the baton to his successor.
Following the address, Starmer travelled to Buckingham Palace and formally submitted his resignation to King Charles III. His departure ended a premiership that began after Labour’s landslide general election victory in July 2024.
Andy Burnham becomes UK prime minister
Burnham subsequently met the King and was invited to form a government, formally becoming the United Kingdom’s seventh prime minister in a decade.
The 56-year-old former mayor of Greater Manchester had been elected Labour leader following a rapid leadership contest. He returned to Parliament before succeeding Starmer as both party leader and prime minister.
In his first Downing Street address, Burnham promised to restore political and economic stability while addressing Britain’s cost-of-living crisis. He described his appointment as a “circuit-breaker” and pledged to introduce a new long-term model for the country.
Labour begins new leadership chapter
Starmer faced mounting pressure after Labour lost more than 1,000 council seats in local elections. Senior party figures had urged him to step aside amid declining public support and internal criticism of his leadership.
Despite leading Labour back into government with a large parliamentary majority, Starmer served for just over two years.
Burnham now faces the task of rebuilding public confidence, reviving economic growth and maintaining Labour unity while assembling a new Cabinet and setting out his government’s policy priorities.
