7.22pmAlbanese says Starmer can be ‘proud’ of his contributions as leaderBy Emily KainePrime Minister Anthony Albanese has just made a statement following British leader Keir Starmer’s resignation. He said he was “grateful” for the opportunities he had to work with Starmer, and that he considered Starmer a “friend”. “I consider Keir Starmer a friend and I’m thinking of him on what must be a very tough day,” the PM wrote on social media a few minutes ago.“When the time comes for Keir to leave Downing Street, he can be proud of the contribution he has made to the country he loves and to the Labour Party that he led back to Government in 2024.” 7.08pmHow did we get here?By Keir Starmer’s decision to resign follows his steep slide in the polls since taking power in a landslide less than two years ago.His government has suffered backbench revolts over welfare and spending policies, a tax scandal claimed deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, and Starmer’s judgment was called into question over his appointment of Peter Mandelson, a friend of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as Britain’s ambassador to the US.The threat against Starmer was building for months.AP Photo/Kin CheungLast month, Labour lost hundreds of council positions in local government elections, triggering grave doubts about the party’s fortunes.The threat to Starmer, which has been building for months, increased sharply on Friday when rival Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, decisively won a byelection to return to Westminster, beating a candidate from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, which has led national opinion polls for more than a year.Andy Burnham at the Makerfield byelection result announcement last week.APwith Reuters7.06pmIn photos: Starmer quits Downing StreetBy Here are some of the key moments outside Number 10 Downing Street today in photos.Ministerial staff gathered ahead of an announcement at Downing Street.Getty ImagesBritain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street in London.AP Photo/Kin CheungDeputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice gathered outside for the prime ministerial address. Getty ImagesBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer hugs his wife, Victoria Starmer, after announcing his resignation.Getty Images6.53pmThree key takeaways from Starmer’s resignationBy David CroweHere are the key elements of Keir Starmer’s statement at Number 10 Downing Street a short time ago. The timetable is set for a decision on his replacement, although he did not name who that might be. He made no mention of Andy Burnham, who is clearly the man seeking to replace him. And he did not specify the exact date for the conclusion of a leadership decision. This will be up to the officials who lead the Labour Party. Here are Starmer’s words:Starmer announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street. Getty Images“The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace,” Starmer said outside Number 10 Downing Street.“Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first.“That is why I will resign as the leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty, the King, this morning, to inform him of my decision.6.47pmWhat happens next?By The Labour rules state that a leadership contest will only be held if there’s a vacancy or a successful leadership challenge is brought forward. Any challenger needs the endorsement of 20 per cent of Labour MPs – which means 81 of the 403 in the House of Commons.If there is more than one challenger with the required 81 nominations, it goes to a vote of thousands of Labour members and affiliated trade union members.Former health minister Wes Streeting said last month that he would enter a contest for the leadership, after quitting the cabinet and calling for Starmer to resign.BloombergWhile Burnham has not launched this formal process at this stage, he spoke during the byelection campaign about the leadership and left little doubt that he would challenge.Former health minister Wes Streeting said last month that he would enter a contest for the leadership, after quitting the cabinet and calling for Starmer to resign. One senior Labour figure told Reuters they believed Streeting could do a deal with Burnham, giving him a senior role if he stayed out of the contest.Burnham is reportedly keen to wait until September to become prime minister – some of Starmer’s comments during the resignation certainly hinted at that – but The Independent writes that some Labour MPs want the transfer of power to take place as early as mid-July.6.40pmBritish PM emotional as he vows to spend more time with family By Emily KaineThe British leader choked up towards the end of his address as he spoke about his family and vowed to spend more time with them when his tenure as prime minister was up.Here’s how he concluded his short address:When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hugs his wife, Victoria Starmer, after announcing his resignation.Getty Images6.36pmStarmer announces resignationBy Emily Kaine and David CroweStarmer has just resigned as leader of the British Labour Party. “Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said just now. He said he spoke to King Charles this morning.6.35pmStarmer runs through list of achievementsBy Chris PaineThe PM is quite clearly readying himself for the big moment, listing off his and his party’s achievements since taking office in 2024.Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes a statement outside 10 Downing Street.Getty Images“Look at what we’ve achieved in just two years. An economy that’s stronger, going faster than our peers. Investment secured. Infrastructure being built. An end to austerity,” he said.Starmer also lists a boost to defence spending, improvements to the NHS and a shift on immigration among his wins.6.34pmStarmer met with applause as he begins addressBy Emily KaineBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer is speaking outside 10 Downing Street now. The leader was met with applause as he approached the lectern. He opened his address by saying: “Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life.” 6.29pmDozens of PM’s staff wait outside Downing Street By David CroweDozens of Keir Starmer’s staff in Number 10 Downing Street have also emerged onto the street, to the side of the main line of sight for the cameras aimed at the famous doorway.Again, it’s a sign of an announcement from the leader within minutes.A general view of Number 10 Downing Street on June 21, 2026 in London, England. Getty ImagesBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer in north London last week. Peter Macdiarmid/Pool The Times via AP1 of 2