British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned on June 22, 2026, following weeks of internal conflict within his government. This resignation marks the potential for the U.K. to appoint its seventh leader in the last decade. Starmer will serve as a caretaker until a successor is chosen, which is expected to occur by the opening of Parliament in September.
Starmer faced pressure to resign after the Labour Party experienced significant losses in the May local elections, including losing control of Wales' Parliament and recording its worst results in Scotland. Andy Burnham, a former minister, has announced plans to return to Parliament and has been elected to a seat in northern England.
In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer acknowledged the parliamentary party's decision regarding his leadership role. His government faced criticism over various policies, including a reversal on welfare cuts and the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as U.K. ambassador to the U.S., which was linked to Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer's tenure as prime minister was notably brief, lasting just under two years. Labour officials are set to initiate a leadership contest, with Burnham being considered a leading candidate to succeed Starmer.