Keir Starmer announces resignation as UK prime minister

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he had heard the message from his parliamentary party and accepted it “with good grace.”

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

Starmer said he would work to ensure an orderly transition. “I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” he added. “I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support.”

The announcement follows intense pressure from Labour MPs after heavy losses in local elections and a major by-election defeat. Starmer said every decision he had taken was about putting the country first.

He is expected to remain in office until a new leader is chosen, with an orderly handover planned before Parliament returns in September.