Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party following pressure from within his party. He announced he will remain in office until a new leader is selected, ahead of Parliament's return in September.
Starmer became the first Labour leader to unseat a Conservative government since Tony Blair's 1997 victory, leading the party to a general election win in 2024. He stated that his successor will inherit a country that is stronger and fairer than two years prior. During his tenure, the government reportedly reduced NHS waiting lists and attracted investment. However, Starmer's time in office also saw policy U-turns on welfare reform and plans to alter winter fuel payments for most pensioners.
Internationally, Starmer received praise for his engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump and his continued backing of Ukraine. Despite this, he faced internal party pressure to adopt a more critical stance regarding the conflict in Gaza. His approach to global threats and efforts to stabilize relations with Trump led to him being labeled "Never here Keir" by critics.
Starmer's communication style was frequently criticized as robotic and failing to connect with the public. He also oversaw frequent changes in senior government positions.
Prior to entering Parliament, Starmer trained as a barrister, focusing on human rights law. He served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013 before becoming the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras in north London. He often speaks of his working-class background, growing up in a semi-detached house in Oxted, Surrey, with a father who was a toolmaker and a mother who was a nurse. Starmer is also a lifelong supporter of Arsenal Football Club.