LEADERS in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have warned that politics is changing "rapidly" across these islands, and that whoever becomes the next British prime minister "must recognise these new political realities".
Keir Starmer's decision to stand down means Labour will now hold a contest to choose his successor, with Andy Burnham seen as the frontrunner after Wes Streeting came out in support of him.
Responding to the announcement from the Prime Minister that he will resign from office, First Minister John Swinney said while he wished the outgoing Prime Minister and his family well on a personal level, “it was past time for him to face reality” – and warned that simply swapping leaders at Westminster “is no way to govern”.
In the aftermath of the Holyrood and Senedd elections, Swinney had said he would meet with Starmer as early as June to discuss a possible referendum but last week suspected uncertainty around the Prime Minister’s leadership was “perhaps influencing” delays to a meeting.
In a statement following Starmer's resignation, Swinney accused Labour of “broken promises, poor judgement and, ultimately, failure”, saying those struggling to pay their bills had been let down as Westminster “instability and infighting” continued with “no end in sight”.
With the UK now heading for its seventh prime minister in a decade, the First Minister added: "This is no way to govern. Scotland deserves better.
"We have repeatedly been promised change, but it has never been clearer that no matter who holds the keys to Number 10 that is just not possible within the Westminster system.
"A fresh start is possible, but only with independence."
Welsh first minister Rhun Ap Iowerth wrote on Twitter/X in reaction: "I wish Keir Starmer well as he steps down. The chaos in Westminster has made it difficult for Wales to get the engagement it needs.
"His successor must commit to a new relationship with Wales – with an emphasis on more powers, fair funding and respect for our mandate."
First minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill said: "Today Keir Starmer has announced his intention to step down as British Prime Minister.
"His departure underscores the chaos of Westminster and how our future is better served by breaking our links with Britain.
"Successive British governments have cut our public services and weakened our economy, leaving ordinary people struggling to make ends meet while a small elite grows ever wealthier.
"I stand ready to work constructively with the incoming British prime minister, but I will be clear that a hugely different approach is needed.
She added: "People here are not second-class citizens.
"They deserve proper and fair investment in our public services, real support through the cost of living crisis, and respect for our democratic right to decide our own future."
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said: “The announcement today by Keir Starmer that he will step down as British Prime Minister presents the opportunity to advance relationships between Britain and Ireland in a positive direction.
“The election result in Makerfield may have brought his premiership to an end, but the wider political picture is far more significant. The recent electoral victories of Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party press home the reality that pro-independence parties, including Sinn Féin, now play a hugely significant role in Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and present a direct challenge to the Union.
“Politics is changing rapidly in Britain and Ireland. Whoever becomes the next British prime minister must recognise these new political realities."
She added: “As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in two years’ time, we should recognise how far we have come. Peace is secure, and the next chapter in our national journey centres on constitutional change, the democratic pathway to Irish reunification, and a managed transition that demands strong British-Irish relations.
“Sinn Fein stands ready to work constructively with the incoming British Prime Minister. We will continue to press for the planning and preparation needed for constitutional change. The constitutional status quo is no longer sustainable. Partition has failed. Both the British Prime Minister and the Taoiseach have a responsibility to engage with these realities in a responsible, practical and direct way that shapes the future.”
