Keir Starmer has asserted that his tenure as prime minister was successful, stating he "saved" the Labour Party and vowing to "keep his mouth shut" under his successor. The decision to resign, announced on June 23, was described by Starmer as "intensely personal," made during a family weekend at Chequers.
Starmer defended his focus on global affairs during his two-year premiership, countering criticism that he was often absent from domestic issues. He argued that a prime minister must engage with international situations, such as the conflict in Ukraine and events in the Strait of Hormuz, to effectively address domestic concerns like household bills. "It's not sensible to think you can just separate these two things out," he stated.
He cautioned his likely successor, former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, against assuming a less demanding role on the international stage. Starmer emphasized that in the modern era, separating international and domestic policy is not feasible. "So this suggestion you can really, in the modern era, simply split up the international and domestic, is just… it just doesn't make sense. It isn't true. It isn't right," he told the BBC.
Starmer's resignation followed a period where Labour MPs reportedly lost confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general election. In an emotional statement outside Downing Street, he indicated that a new leader would be chosen before Parliament reconvenes in September, with an orderly handover in place. He also highlighted his efforts to transform the Labour Party, which he described as previously being "politically, financially and morally bankrupt," and to restore trust in the economy, defense, and national security.
The process to select Starmer's replacement is underway. Andy Burnham is considered the frontrunner, having recently been sworn in as an MP following a by-election victory. Starmer indicated that a successor could be in place by July 16 if Burnham is the sole candidate, or potentially in August if there are multiple contenders. Despite the upcoming transition, Starmer pledged to remain in office until the handover is complete.