Keir Starmer Resigns as UK Prime Minister, Backs Andy Burnham as Successor

Keir Starmer has formally resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after two years in office, paving the way for Andy Burnham to become Britain's new leader. Starmer submitted his resignation to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and publicly endorsed Burnham, the newly elected Labour Party leader, as his successor.

In his farewell address outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer described serving as prime minister as the "privilege of my life" and reflected on his government's achievements, including reforms in healthcare, workers' rights, economic growth and national security. He urged Labour supporters to unite behind Burnham, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the country through its next phase.

Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, was invited by King Charles III to form a new government after securing overwhelming backing from Labour MPs. In his first speech as prime minister, he pledged to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, expand affordable housing, strengthen public services and introduce reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in politics.

The leadership transition makes Burnham the United Kingdom's seventh prime minister in just over a decade, reflecting a period of political instability. Despite the change in leadership, Labour remains in government, and the next UK general election is not due until 2029.