By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Monday announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and said he would step down as Prime Minister after a successor is chosen, bringing an abrupt end to a premiership that lasted less than two years.
In an emotional statement outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said every decision he had taken was guided by what he believed was best for the country. He acknowledged growing concerns within the Labour Party about his leadership and accepted that many colleagues no longer believed he was the right person to lead the party into the next general election.
Starmer said he would remain in office as caretaker prime minister until a new Labour leader is elected. The party is expected to begin the leadership selection process in July, with a successor likely to be in place before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
The resignation follows months of mounting pressure from Labour lawmakers after disappointing local election results, declining public approval ratings and internal divisions over government policies. Several senior party figures and ministers had publicly questioned Starmer’s leadership in recent weeks, fuelling speculation about his future.
Attention has now shifted to the contest to succeed him. Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has emerged as the frontrunner after receiving backing from influential Labour figures, including former health secretary Wes Streeting. Political observers believe Burnham could assume office quickly if he secures broad support within the party.
Starmer’s departure marks another dramatic chapter in British politics, making him one of several prime ministers to leave office within a relatively short period. His resignation leaves the Labour Party facing a crucial leadership transition as it seeks to restore public confidence and address the country’s economic and political challenges.