Just two years ago, Sir Keir Starmer appeared untouchable. After leading Labour to a commanding victory in the 2024 general election, Starmer returned the party to power for the first time since 2010, ending 14 years of Conservative-led government. Few political figures in modern Britain had engineered a turnaround as dramatic.
Yet on 22 June 2026, Starmer announced he would step down as both prime minister and Labour leader, bringing an abrupt end to one of the shortest premierships in recent British history. His departure came after months of internal unrest, poor election results, and growing concerns among Labour MPs that he could no longer lead the party into the next national contest.
