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PoliticsUK PM Starmer resigns after by-election defeat
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British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation less than two years after winning a landslide general election. The resignation was triggered by Andy Burnham's victory in a by-election. Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is a Labour Party favorite who will stand for party leader in mid-July. Starmer's tenure was marked by broken promises, policy U-turns often forced by militant backbench MPs, and questioned judgment after advisers and ministers, including his deputy, resigned over inappropriate behavior. Following disastrous local elections for Labour, seven ministers quit after falling out with Starmer.
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Source: The world this week Edition: Jun 27th 2026
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 go was Andy Burnham’s victory in a by-election. The hitherto mayor of Greater Manchester is a Labour Party favourite who will stand for party leader in mid-July.
Sir Keir’s time in office was plagued by broken promises and a series of U-turns, often forced by militant backbench MPs. His judgment was also questioned, as advisers and ministers—including his deputy—were forced to resign for inappropriate behaviour. Following disastrous local elections for Labour, seven ministers quit after falling out with Sir Keir.
No swansong for Starmer
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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Photograph: Getty Images 6 min read
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UK PM Starmer Reportedly to Resign Monday Amid Party Pressure