British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation
Updated on: June 22, 2026 / 8:31 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Keir Starmer resigns as leader of the Labour Party.
- Resignation follows disastrous local election results in early May.
- Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is the leading contender to succeed Starmer.
- Burnham has announced his intention to run for party leadership.
- Starmer's departure could happen by July if a consensus successor is chosen, or by September after a leadership contest.
- Under British political system, the public elects Members of Parliament, and the leader of the majority party becomes Prime Minister.
- Labour lost significant seats in local elections, including a firm grip on the Welsh legislature.
- Reform UK party saw gains in local elections.
- Starmer struggled with criticism of being more of a manager than a leader.
- Several ministers resigned during Starmer's tenure, including Defence Secretary John Healey.