UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Resigns

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party following growing political pressure and questions over his ability to lead the party into the next general election.

Starmer made the announcement on Monday after a weekend of reflection, saying he had accepted the view of his parliamentary colleagues that he was no longer the best person to lead the party forward.

“The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,” Starmer told reporters outside 10 Downing Street.

“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace,” he added.

The Prime Minister said his decision was guided by his commitment to putting the country first, adding that he had informed King Charles III of his intention to step down.

“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first,” Starmer said. “That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.”

The process to elect his successor will begin on July 9, with former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham emerging as an early favourite after returning to Parliament following a by-election victory on Sunday.

Starmer’s resignation comes after days of speculation about his political future, with journalists closely monitoring developments outside Downing Street.

Junior minister Jacqui Smith had earlier said Starmer was giving serious consideration to his future and supported the decision.

(Culled from DW