Sir Keir Starmer announces resignation as Prime Minister

Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will resign as Prime Minister less than two years after coming to power.

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street this morning, Sir Keir said his party had asked “whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election”. He got emotional when speaking about his wife Victoria and their children, saying he will spend more time on "the most important job".

Sir Keir said: “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, 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.”

He said he had spoken to the King earlier in the day to inform him of his decision. Labour ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) is expected to set out a timetable for a new leader by the time Parliament returns from summer recess at the start of September.

It comes less than two years after Sir Keir won a huge landslide, and appeared destined for power for years. However,

He added: “Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life, a new Labour government, the first in 14 years, a page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair, the chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better, that’s what I came into politics for the journey to that point was not easy.”

Defending his record, he pledged to give his 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”.

With a wavering voice, he added: “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 joy.”

Sir Keir’s emotional statement followed a weekend spent mulling his future with his family at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country residence.

While his decision remained unclear early today, ministerial allies and Number 10 staff gathered in Downing Street shortly before 9.30am in an indication Sir Keir was preparing to announce his resignation.

Sir Keir’s decision to stand down means Labour will now hold a contest to choose his successor, with Andy Burnham seen as the frontrunner.

The former Greater Manchester mayor is expected to arrive in Westminster to be sworn in as an MP this afternoon after winning the Makerfield by-election.

Former health secretary Wes Streeting is also expected to put himself forward as a candidate.

Sir Keir said he would ask Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) to set out a timetable that would see a new leader in place by the time Parliament returns from its summer recess on September 1.

He said nominations would open on July 9, the day after he is expected to return from a Nato summit in Turkey, and close to the start of the summer recess on July 16.