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Why has Keir Starmer resigned as UK prime minister, and who will take over?
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation amid declining Labour Party support and rising pressure from MPs concerned about electoral prospects, triggering a leadership contest.
- Labour suffered significant losses in recent local elections, losing nearly 1,500 council seats to the far-right Reform UK party, which gained substantial ground and control of 14 councils.
- Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who recently won a by-election with strong support, is the frontrunner to succeed Starmer, with key figures like Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner endorsing him.
- The Labour leadership contest requires candidates to secure nominations from at least 20% of Labour MPs, and if multiple candidates stand, a preferential ballot among party members will decide the winner before Parliament returns in September.
- Burnham’s popularity and appeal to traditional working-class voters position him as the likely new leader, with many viewing him as Labour’s best chance to regain lost support and counter the rise of Reform UK.
