UK PM Keir Starmer resigns, backs orderly handover to successor

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, saying he would support whoever succeeds him as Labour moves to choose a new leader. His departure opens the way for Britain to get its seventh leader in a decade.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he accepted his party’s verdict and would stand behind the next prime minister. He said becoming a Labour prime minister two years ago had been the proudest moment of his life and recalled taking office after 14 years without a Labour government.

In his remarks, Starmer said he would accept the decision with good grace and offer his successor complete backing. He described his election victory as a turning point after years of disappointment and said the chance to improve the lives of millions had been the reason he entered politics in the first place.

The resignation comes less than two years after Starmer led Labour to a landslide win that had raised hopes of bringing stability to British politics. According to Dawn, one source said Starmer had spent the weekend weighing whether to step down or contest a leadership battle. The source, speaking anonymously, said "Keir likes to think about things".