Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to step down as prime minister, bringing to an end months of speculation about his future as Labour leader.
The decision follows a weekend of discussions at Chequers with senior advisers and family members amid increasing pressure from within the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Reports suggest several cabinet ministers urged Starmer to provide clarity on his intentions, despite Downing Street having previously maintained that he would remain in office.
Starmer says he spoke to the King this morning to inform him of his decision to resign.
He has asked the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening for the leadership on 9 July, and completed by the summer recess.
This will mean a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September.
Until then he will remain in post as prime minister, Starmer confirmed.
Starmer said after leaving the “biggest job in the country” he will spend more time on “the most important job”.
“Being the best husband I can, to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad.”
“And being the best dad that I can to be beautiful children, who are my pride and joy,” he added.
Attention is now turning to the leadership contest that is expected to follow. Andy Burnham returned to Westminster today after his victory in last week’s Makerfield by-election and is widely regarded as one of the leading contenders to succeed Starmer.
According to reports, Burnham would favour a leadership transition after Parliament’s summer recess rather than an immediate handover, potentially leaving Labour facing a prolonged period of uncertainty as it prepares to choose its next leader.
Could a Starmer exit as PM turn house price growth into a tax liability?
The UK will be going from the frying pan to the fire!
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Bring in the Clowns springs to mind,
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Don’t bother, they’re already here!
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Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, stuck in the middle with Labour.
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