International

Starmer officially resigns as UK Prime Minister

Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III accepted Starmer's resignation, paving the way for Andy Burnham to form the government..

Behlül Çetinkaya, Şerife Çetin, Mohammad Kara Maryam

20 July 2026 • Updated: 20 July 2026

BRUSSELS

London / Anadolu

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer formally submitted his resignation to King Charles III on Monday, ending his tenure as head of government.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement that King Charles III received Starmer this morning and accepted his resignation from the offices of Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.

Press statements

Before heading to meet the king to submit his resignation, Starmer made statements to journalists on Downing Street, where members of his government and supporters applauded him outside the Prime Minister's residence.

Starmer announced that he would formally resign as Prime Minister, adding: 'My task is complete.'

He praised his time in government, expressing his belief 'that Britain today is stronger and fairer than it was two years ago.'

He expressed his wishes for success for Andy Burnham, who will take over from him, pledging his full support.

He concluded: 'I leave my post with a clear conscience, and I bid you farewell with a smile on my face, and I am very proud of everything we have achieved together.'

Resignation pressures

Starmer had faced widespread criticism over the economy's performance, the appointment of Peter Mandelson, whose name is linked to the files of American businessman Jeffrey Epstein, as ambassador to Washington, and the Labour Party's defeat in the local elections last May.

Pressure for his resignation mounted after Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won a seat in Parliament in a by-election on June 18.

Four days after Burnham entered Parliament, Starmer announced that his party wanted to contest the next election under different leadership and resigned as Labour Party leader.

He said at the time he would continue as Prime Minister until a new leader was elected and directed the party to start the selection process on July 9.

On July 17, the Labour Party announced Burnham, the MP for Makerfield, won the party leadership after running unopposed.

King Charles III is expected to receive Burnham later and appoint him to form the government.