LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he was quitting on Monday following months of pressure, with veteran Labour politician Andy Burnham emerging as the front-runner to become the country’s seventh prime minister in a decade.
Burnham could be installed in 10 Downing Street in just over three weeks after would-be rival Wes Streeting said he was backing the former Manchester mayor.
Sir Starmer’s voice cracked during an emotional speech outside his official residence, conceding he had lost the support of his Labour Party lawmakers after just two years in office. He informed King Charles III of his decision to resign so a new leader could be elected.
“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,” Starmer said, choking back tears as he thanked his wife, Victoria, and two children.
Andy Burnham emerges as frontrunner after Streeting backs out
