Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister, sixth resignation since Brexit

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, announced his resignation on Monday (June 22, 2026) in a televised address from 10 Downing Street. He set a timetable for his departure, triggering a leadership contest within the Labour Party and a general election to choose his successor.

Mr. Starmer's resignation follows months of internal dissent within the Labour Party and comes shortly after his participation in the G7 Summit in the United States, where discussions focused on the West Asia crisis.

Starmer is the sixth British Prime Minister to resign since the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union (Brexit) in 2016. The previous five were David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.

Mr. Starmer took office on July 5, 2024, after leading Labour to a general election victory. His tenure lasted less than two years. He will remain as caretaker Prime Minister until a successor is chosen.

The resignation is the latest in a series of short-lived premierships that have characterised British politics since the 2016 Brexit referendum. Elected leaders have struggled to manage the economic fallout, internal party divisions, and public dissatisfaction.

Prime Minister Starmer's resignation comes as Andy Burnham, a prominent Labour figure and rival, won a key parliamentary by-election in North West England on June 19, 2026, positioning himself as a potential contender for the top post.

The next Prime Minister of the UK will be determined by the general election, expected within the coming weeks. The process will be closely watched both domestically and internationally as the UK continues to navigate post-Brexit challenges.