KEIR Starmer has announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister.
He made an announcement on Monday morning after reportedly spending the weekend considering his future following Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election.
He has faced mounting pressure from Labour MPs and Cabinet members to quit following the result, with Burnham widely expected to launch a leadership challenge.
Starmer told a crowd of Labour MPs at Downing Street: "The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next General Election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question and I accept that answer with good grace.
"Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party."
Starmer has asked the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening for the leadership on July 9, 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.
Starmer's resignation comes just two years after winning a landslide General Election. He said he had already spoken to the King when giving his speech.
He described becoming Prime Minister as the “proudest moment of my life” and became emotional as he thanked his wife Victoria for her support at the end of his speech.
He said he had inherited a Labour Party six years ago that was "politically, financially and morally bankrupt" but "changed our party".
Starmer added he will spend more time being the “best husband” and “best dad” after his resignation.
“I want to thank the brilliant Number 10 staff and our country’s extraordinary Civil Service who dedicate their lives to public service," he said.
“And when I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall 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 I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.”
Notorious campaigner Steve Bray blasted Ode to Joy, the EU's official anthem, as Starmer said he would be stepping down.
Starmer's decision to stand down means Labour will now hold a contest to choose his successor, with Burnham seen as the frontrunner.
The former Greater Manchester mayor is expected to arrive in Westminster to be sworn in as an MP on Monday afternoon after winning the Makerfield by-election.
