Keir Starmer has resigned as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party.
In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, he said he leaving his position as leader of the Labour Party and has informed the King of his decision.
He says he has asked Labour’s National Executive Committee to set out a timetable for a Labour leadership contest, with nominations opening on 9 July
Nominations will close before the summer parliamentary recess, on 16 July.
A new Prime Minister is set to be in place by September.
Wes Streeting has announced that he will be backing Andy Burnham. Reform Leader, Nigel Farage, is calling for a general election at the “soonest possible date”.
The leader of the Labour group on North Yorkshire Council is Steve Shaw-Wright and he says he supports the PM’s decision to stand down but he’s not happy.
In an interview for YorkMix Radio News he said he thinks the party is “shooting itself in the foot” and it will lead to weeks of naval gazing while the country is put on standstill.
He added that: “His record matters, not just in Westminster but here in places like Selby. We’ve strengthened workers’ rights, improved protections for renters, brought down NHS waiting lists, and taken action on small boat crossings.
“We’ve also supported families through the cost of living crisis and lifted hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty — changes that are being felt in communities like ours.
“As a councillor, I see first-hand how important that progress is. Whether it’s residents needing quicker access to healthcare, fairer treatment at work, or support with rising costs, these are not abstract achievements — they make a real difference to people’s everyday lives here in Selby.
“The Prime Minister’s statement reflects the qualities he has shown throughout — decency, determination, and a clear focus on putting the country first.
“Going forward, I will play my part in ensuring we come together as a party, engage constructively in choosing a successor, and keep our focus where it belongs — on delivering for our communities.”
Labour MP for York Central, Rachael Maskell, says:
“It is time for a new chapter in Labour’s story, as the Prime Minister has set out his departure plans. Andy Burnham MP, will be sworn into Parliament today, and will now need to work with MPs to build his programme for Government, built on the strong foundations he has already established.
“Mr Burnham’s foundations are born out of solid Labour values to serve people in our communities and to meet vital needs.
“Now we have an opportunity to build a new way of doing politics starting in our communities, and building the opportunities to address real need, in health, in housing and for good jobs for the future. Ensuring everyone can aspire to a better tomorrow and an assured today.
“Andy Burnham needs to build on his plans of cutting business rates, placing water back under public accountability, and addressing the inequality that has blighted so many and held others back through working with MPs over the coming weeks so his Government can speak of opportunity and hope and raise the ambition that the public have for our country.
“I will play my full part in this.”
Selby MP Keir Mather wrote:
“There will be lots of different opinions today on the Prime Minister’s resignation. Though it must have been an incredibly difficult decision, in my view, he has made the right choice to step down.
“Knowing the right time to leave centre stage is a mark of good leadership, and Keir has shown exactly that in taking this decision today.
“I have no doubt that history will judge him much more kindly than today’s opinion polls, but it is right that he has listened to the mood of the country and acted in the national interest.
“For Labour MPs, we need to reflect on our time in office so far. People in Selby and Kippax tell me they want the Government to go further, faster, to support small businesses, reduce living costs and improve public services.”
Labour Mayor for York and North Yorkshire David Skaith said:
“Keir Starmer’s speech this morning showed the man he is: thoughtful, patriotic and committed to public service.
“He came into office determined to put country before party, and I believe today’s decision reflects that same sense of duty. While none of us wanted to see this moment after just two years in government, I respect the decision he has made.
“I know Keir to be a good man who has always done what he believes is in the country’s best interests. He transformed the Labour Party and made it electable again. We face an ever-growing threat from right-wing populism, which has the potential to do great and lasting harm to communities across our county and the country.
“This calls for different leadership, with a vision for Britain that people can get behind and believe in. People in York and North Yorkshire want to see investment in their communities, better transport links and good jobs for local people. They want politics that delivers, and so do I. Whoever comes next must show that they can turn that ambition into reality.”
