UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says resignation was intensely personal

Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the BBC that his decision to step down was "intensely personal", adding that it was "tough" and that he had considered what was best for himself, the country and the government. He will remain in office until the Labour Party selects a successor.

Starmer warned his likely successor, former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, that the next prime minister cannot afford to reduce focus on diplomacy, citing the wars in Ukraine and Iran and their impact on UK household costs. He noted the importance of finding a lasting solution to the Ukraine conflict and monitoring the Strait of Hormuz.

Starmer faced criticism for spending much time abroad, earning the nickname “never‑here Keir”. Burnham, newly elected MP for Makerfield, has pledged to end trickle‑down economics, focus on domestic issues and build a politics of unity and hope.