Keir Starmer announces resignation as British prime minister

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he is resigning from his post as head of government.

According to political sources, the Labour Party is considering the possibility that Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester who recently won a parliamentary by-election in the Makerfield constituency, could become the new head of government.

Party insiders note that Burnham could play a key role in Labour's efforts to rebuild voter support amid the rising popularity of the right-wing populist Reform UK party. Led by Nigel Farage, Reform UK remains the most popular political force in the country according to opinion polls.

The next general election in the United Kingdom must take place no later than August 2029, and the Labour Party expects to strengthen its position before that deadline.

Starmer’s resignation follows a disappointing performance for Labour in the local elections on 7 May 2026. The results saw both the ruling party and the Conservatives lose a significant share of votes to Reform UK and, to some extent, the Green Party.

Starmer took office after leading the Labour Party to victory in the July 2024 general election, where the party secured a substantial majority in parliament.

During his tenure, the government reported a reduction in illegal migration and improvements in the performance of the National Health Service. However, Starmer's political support has declined amid economic difficulties and the growing popularity of opposition forces.