As Sir Keir Starmer made a dignified exit, many watching his speech outside no10 were distracted by a song being played as he spoke from the Downing Street gates10:34, 22 Jun 2026Updated 10:41, 22 Jun 2026Sir Keir Starmer has today announced that he will resign as Prime Minister in an emotional address in Downing Street.‌The Labour leader was close to tears as he announced he will quit with rival Andy Burnham likely to step up. But for many listening into his exit speech were distracted by noise coming from the road outside, where hundreds of people had gathered for the historic moment.‌Mr Starmer has announced his No10 exit as his support drained away, with the most likely successor to his leadership due to arrive later today. The outgoing PM took to the podium in Downing Street to announced his decision to quit and laid out plans for leaving office in a bid to ensure an "orderly transition" in running the country.‌Viewers listening at home could hear Beethoven’s Ode to Joy pumped out at loud volume outside the gates as the PM spoke. The song had been adopted by the Council of Europe and later the European Union as the Anthem of Europe. The German poet's 1785 song was seen as a fitting soundtrack to his departure.The tune is seen as a satirical 'Brexit Song' with a catchy chorus “We all live in a Brexit tragedy” was played loudly through speakers.‌Starmer said becoming Prime Minister had been the “proudest moment of my life” but accepted: "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 from my parliamentary party and I accept that answer with good grace. Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party."Burnham is due back in Westminster to be sworn in as an MP at around 2.30pm after his by-election victory in Makerfield.The Prime Minister spoke to the monarch over the phone this morning before his resignation speech.‌In his speech, Starmer said: "I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision."He said: “I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete. And I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power. I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead, and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office.Article continues below“I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six years or so for their incredible commitment, service and support. I want to thank the brilliant Number 10 staff and our country’s extraordinary civil service, who dedicate their lives to public service.“And 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. Thank you very much."Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.