Starmer says he accepts ‘with good grace’ that he is not best person to lead Labour into next election
Starmer says he accepts the decision he has to go with good grace.
double quotation markThe 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’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour party.
I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.
Key events
Peter Walker
In the end it was rapid and efficient, but nonetheless emotional.
The particular part of Downing Street where I was standing meant I was watching Keir Starmer directly in from of me but I could also see his cabinet and advisers – and his wife, Victoria – behind him. Many, particularly Victoria, were very obviously emotional as the soon-to-depart PM spoke.
The earlier part of the speech, where Starmer set out his achievements in office, was almost drowned out by Ode to Joy blasting from the vast speaker owned by the professional protester Steve Bray just outside the speech.
But suddenly – perhaps a kindly passer-by pulled out a lead – it went quiet. Starmer set out his plans to leave and how, and became emotional himself as he thanked his colleagues, then also Victoria and his two teenage children.
Anyone who has spoken to Starmer in private knows how much he talks about his family, and with such clear pride. They will be a comfort in the most difficult moment of his political career.
Keir Starmer embracing his wife Victoria after his speech. Photograph: Toby Shepheard/ReutersShareStarmer ends speech saying he will leave ‘biggest job in country’ to spend more time on ‘most important job’, as dad and husband
The end of Keir Starmer’s speech was particularly moving, and he sounded close to tears at the end.
double quotation markI will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead and better able to ensure the Labour party secures a second term in office.
I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six years or so for their incredible commitment, service and support.
I want to thank the brilliant No 10 staff and our country’s extraordinary civil service, who dedicate their lives to public service.
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.
Thank you very much.
Keir Starmer at the end of his speech. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesShareStarmer says new PM to take over mid July if Burnham unopposed, or by end of August if there’s election
Starmer sets out the timetable for his departure.
double quotation markI will ask the national executive committee of the Labour party to set out a timetable, with nominations opening on the 9th of July and completed by the summer recess.
In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September.
I will remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.
The Commons summer recess is due to start on 16 July and so, if Andy Burnham is unopposed (as seems increasingly likely – despite Wes Streeting previously saying he would definitely stand as a candidate), he will become PM in the middle of next month.
If there is a contest, the new PM will be in post by the end of August. The Commons returns after the summer recess on 1 September.
ShareStarmer says he accepts ‘with good grace’ that he is not best person to lead Labour into next election
Starmer says he accepts the decision he has to go with good grace.
double quotation markThe 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’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour party.
I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.
ShareStarmer confirms he is resigning
Starmer confirms he is resign. He has spoken to the king, he says.
ShareStarmer says he proved his critics wrong
Starmer says he proved his critics wrong.
double quotation markWe proved those people wrong because we changed our party, ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence and national security, and becoming a party that once again stood proudly with God against our national flag.
The hard work of change was with a singular purpose, not power for power’s sake, but to change Britain for the better, to build a fairer country with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen, everyone is valued, wealth and opportunity for all, not just the privileged few.
ShareStarmer says becoming PM two years ago proudest moment of his life
Starmer says walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of his life.
double quotation markA new Labour government, the first in 14 years.
A page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair, the chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better.
That’s what I came into politics for.
The journey to that point was not easy.
Six years ago, I inherited a Labour party that was politically, financially and morally bankrupt.
I was told time and time again that my party was finished, that we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible.
Keir Starmer is coming out.
There is loud applause from his staff and supporters.
He looks miserable.
ShareDavid Lammy, the deputy PM, and Darren Jones, chief secretary to the PM, with No 10 staff waiting for the PM to speak. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PAShare
From my colleague Jessica Elgot
double quotation markStarmer’s closest allies outside Number 10 now – his chief of staff Jill Cuthbertson, the attorney general Richard Hermer, cabinet office minister Chris Ward, Reeves’ chief of staff Ben Nunn, international aid minister Jenny Chapman. These will be the people he listened to.
These are from Steven Swinford from the Times on the conversations that led up to Keir Starmer’s announcement.
double quotation mark* Exchanges with Cabinet ministers were brutal on Friday, more so than previously reported. Starmer tried to convince ministers that Burnham needed to prove himself by helping Labour win Greater Manchester mayoralty. One Cabinet minister shot back that the PM was a ‘drag on the ticket’ and made it less likely they would win. ‘No one supports you any more,’ they said
* Starmer’s reticence in standing down – despite all evidence that it is over – stems from two things. First, animus towards Burnham. He believes, with some justification, that ever since he became Labour leader the mayor of Greater Manchester has tried to undermine him at his weakest moments. He also thinks Burnham is not a ‘substantive’ politician.
* Second, his wife Victoria has argued strongly that he should fight on. One ally said her counsel in Starmer’s final decision should not be underestimated. “She has been the one urging him to fight it,” the ally said. “And she’s the one who’s with him.”
ShareStaff from Downing Street bringing out the lecturn ahead of the PM’s statement. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty ImagesShare
From ITV’s Paul Brand
double quotation markThe podium has now been wheeled out in No10. Keir Starmer is expected to make a statement imminently – within 10 mins or so.
SharePeter Walker
There are now some Downing Street staff beginning to assemble at the far end of the street.
SharePeter Walker
Peter Walker is a senior Guardian political correspondent, who is in Downing Street.
Outside No 10 they have just tested some speakers …
There is a sense of activity stepping up in Downing Street, with officials making sure the media are behind barriers, and otherwise dashing around. It feels like it should be soon now …
And now the lectern is out.
Updated at 04.23 EDT
The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg has posted this on social media.
double quotation markAll the signs are there in Number 10 that Starmer statement is not far off
Sound equipment being set up outside No 10 Photograph: Laura KuenssbergShare
Jessica Elgot
Jessica Elgot is the Guardian’s deputy political editor.
A July transition is the strong preference from many of the most influential figures around Andy Burnham – if there is no other candidate in a leadership contest.
There is a fear among some of his supporters that a longer transition would leave a vacuum for Burnham’s opponents – and online agitators – to start damaging the incoming prime minister before he took power. “There are pros and cons, but we have told the country we are ready to make him prime minister and we should make good on that,” said one.
The Guardian reported in May that the main aim of Burnham’s team was to ensure he was in place to give the leader’s speech by Labour party conference in mid-September – and to give him time to make preparations for entering government.
But there are growing fears of a scenario similar to when Boris Johnson was a “lame duck” prime minister during the summer of 2022 when there was an energy crisis and no government intervention.
No 10 is gearing up for an announcement. This is from the BBC’s Henry Zeffman.
double quotation markThe equipment for a lectern moment is being assembled in Downing Street