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PoliticsUK PM Keir Starmer resigns after political crisis; Andy Burnham frontrunner to succeed
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Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as British Prime Minister less than two years after winning a landslide general election majority. The immediate trigger was Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, winning a by-election, making him a frontrunner for the Labour Party leadership in mid-July. Starmer's tenure was marked by broken promises and policy U-turns often forced by militant backbench MPs. His judgment was questioned after several advisers and ministers, including his deputy, resigned over inappropriate conduct. Disastrous local election results for Labour triggered an exodus of seven ministers who quit after falling out with Starmer. Burnham is now the favorite to succeed him as party leader.
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Photograph: Getty Images 6 min read
Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Britain's prime minister, less than two years after winning a landslide majority at a general election.
The trigger for Sir Keir’s decision to step down was Andy Burnham’s victory in a by-election. Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, is a favourite within the Labour Party and will stand for party leader in mid-July.
Sir Keir’s tenure was marked by:
- Broken promises and a series of policy U-turns, often forced by militant backbench MPs
- Questions over his judgment, following the resignations of advisers and ministers—including his deputy—due to inappropriate behaviour
- Disastrous local election results for Labour, after which seven ministers quit following conflicts with Sir Keir
This article appeared in the "The world this week" section of the print edition under the headline “Politics”
From the June 27th 2026 edition
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UK PM Starmer Reportedly to Resign Monday Amid Party Pressure