UK PM Keir Starmer Quits as Labour Leader, Paves Way for New Prime Minister

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Labour Party leader, shocking the political establishment and triggering a contest to find his successor. Sir Keir delivered a statement from Downing Street confirming his planned departure, saying he would remain Prime Minister until his successor is chosen. The announcement came amid mounting pressure over his handling of the war in Iran and strained relations with US President Donald Trump. Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor who recently returned to Westminster as MP for Makerfield, is widely expected to succeed Starmer. Political analysts say everything points to Burnham becoming Prime Minister within weeks, possibly by September, if no lengthy leadership contest materialises. Trump's relationship with Starmer had initially been described as close, but the two leaders' friendship quickly deteriorated over the conflict in Iran. The US president is now watching closely to see who will lead Britain and whether the special relationship can be restored under new leadership. Burnham, who is making his third attempt at the Labour leadership, is seen as a unifying figure with strong appeal among working-class voters in England's north. His tenure as Greater Manchester Mayor earned him national recognition for his handling of public services and the Covid-19 pandemic. A day described by observers as filled with big changes and mixed emotions for Labour, it marks the end of an era for the party that swept to power in the 2024 general election under Starmer's leadership. The full leadership contest is expected to be concluded by September 2026.