TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday said he would step down amid mounting political pressure.
He outlined his plans after a weekend of reflection, with ministers saying he had been weighing what is best for the country.
"The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election," Starmer told reporters from a lectern outside 10 Downing Street.
"I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace."
"Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first," he said.
"That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision."
What happens next?
Nominations to replace Starmer as leader of the Labour Party, and thus British prime minister, will open on July 9.
The clear frontrunner is former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is returning to the British parliament after winning a by election on Sunday. He has contested the Labour Party leadership twice in the past.
It's unclear whether Burnham would face a coronation or is other MPs will emerge as challengers.
Wes Streeting, who resigned as health secretary last month to protest Starmer’s leadership, previously said he would contend the Labour Party leadership if an election was called.
Pressure mounted against Starmer
Starmer's announcement follows days of intense speculation, with reporters having gathered outside Downing Street awaiting clarity on his position.
Junior minister Jacqui Smith earlier said Starmer had been thinking "really hard" about his future and backed his decision.
It was a drastic change of fortune for the British prime minister, who had led Labour to a landslide victory in 2024 after 14 years of Conservative government in the UK.
Both parties have hemorrhaged votes to the rising, far-right Reform UK party. It has led opinion polls for more than a year.
Read: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Reportedly Set to Resign
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Reportedly Set to Resign
9 jam lalu
Reports suggest that pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer has intensified amid growing criticism of his administration's performance.
Keir Starmer Mulls 'Political Realities' of Burnham By-election
13 jam lalu
British Business Minister Peter Kyle said that Keir Starmer was reflecting on the "political realities" after a potential rival for the PM's post.
UK, Germany, France Back Direct Ukraine, Russia Dialogue
13 hari lalu
UK, German and French leaders backed a call by Ukraine's Zelenskyy for direct talks with Russian President Putin.
UK: 6 More Charged After Violent Protest Over Stabbing Death
15 hari lalu
UK police charge 6 additional individuals with violent disorder in connection with protest following fatal stabbing of university student Henry Nowak.
Ex-UK Health Minister Eyes Bid to Replace Keir Starmer
36 hari lalu
Former UK Health Minister Wes Streeting announces his intention to vie for the leadership of the Labour Party to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
UK: Keir Starmer Tells Cabinet He's Going Nowhere, Ministers Quit
40 hari lalu
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met with his Cabinet amid continued pressure after election losses.
UK's Keir Starmer 'Not Walking Away' After Local Election Mauling
41 hari lalu
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer struck a combative tone in London on Monday, saying he had no intention of resigning after heavy election defeats.
UK Votes in Key Local and Regional Elections
46 hari lalu
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party is expected to face major losses, perhaps spelling the end of his premiership.
UK Raises Terror Threat Level Following Antisemitic Attack
52 hari lalu
The UK raised the terror threat level to severe, which indicates that there's a high likelihood of an attack in the next six months.
Keir Starmer Says UK to Host Talks to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
1 April 2026
The United Kingdom will hold a meeting of about 35 countries this week to discuss how to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
