British PM Keir Starmer has resigned from his post. Now UK will get its seventh Prime Minister in 10 years, while the Labor Party is busy searching for a new leader.
The United Kingdom (UK) is going to get a new Prime Minister soon. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation from his post after leading the Labor government for nearly 23 months. After his decision, the way has been cleared for Britain to get its seventh Prime Minister in the last 10 years. Addressing the media outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he was stepping down as leader of the Labor Party. However, he will remain in his post until the process of selection of the new leader and Prime Minister is completed so that the transfer of power can happen smoothly. Let us tell you that in the last 10 years, 6 Prime Ministers of Britain have changed.
What did Keir Starmer say?
In his address, Starmer said he would continue to serve as Prime Minister until the leadership transition process is completed. He said that his priority is to ensure that the functioning of the government is not affected and the process of handing over responsibility to the new leadership is completed in an orderly manner.
Speculations about resignation were going on for several days
Starmer’s resignation has come at a time when demands for his resignation were rising for the past several days. Questions were being raised about his leadership both inside and outside the party. However, by the end of the week Starmer continued to say that he would face challenges and remain in office. But amidst increasing pressure, he finally decided to resign.
Why did dissatisfaction increase within the Labor Party?
Discontent against Keir Starmer did not arise suddenly. For the past several months, many Labor Party MPs were said to be angry with his leadership. After coming to power with a landslide victory in July 2024, the party expected that its popularity would continuously increase, but saw a decline in public support over time. This intensified the demand for change of leadership within the party.
Decline in popularity poses a big challenge
The Labor Party was concerned that its traditional supporters were moving to other political parties. On one hand, the Green Party was attracting liberal voters, while on the other hand, the Reform UK Party led by Nigel Farage was also rapidly strengthening its base. Due to this, political pressure on the Labor Party increased.
Starmer surrounded by economic and living issues
According to analysts, the Starmer government faced challenges on many fronts. The slow pace of economic growth, rising cost of living and financial problems of the common people remained major issues for the government. Starmer’s popularity was also affected by the lack of expected improvement in living standards and criticism of some administrative decisions.
Controversy also arose over the appointment of Peter Mandelson
The Starmer government also faced criticism when it appointed former MP Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the US. Mandelson later faced criticism over her past controversies and her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Although he was later removed from the post, the issue damaged the government’s image.
Trump also commented
US President Donald Trump had earlier commented on Starmer’s possible resignation. He saw it in the context of issues related to immigration policy and renewable energy. However, Starmer did not respond much directly to these criticisms.
There were also some achievements in foreign policy
Despite criticism, Starmer also received praise on some international issues. His major achievements include efforts to garner European support for Ukraine during the Russo-Ukraine War. Apart from this, he also made many diplomatic efforts to reduce the impact of regional tensions related to Iran.
Who can replace Keir Starmer?
After Starmer’s resignation, the biggest question now is who will be the new leader of the Labor Party. The party is yet to officially choose its new leader, but several names are being discussed as possible contenders. Andy Burnham’s name is being considered the most prominent among Starmer’s possible successors. Burnham joined the Labor Party at an early age and has been serving as the Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017. Recently he has also won a seat in Parliament. His political campaign has long focused on change in the party and the need for new leadership.
Wes Streeting can also be a candidate
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting is also among the possible candidates. He had earlier also raised questions on Starmer’s leadership and it is believed that if leadership elections are held, he too may present his claim.
6 Prime Ministers of Britain have changed in 10 years
Keir Starmer has become the sixth British Prime Minister in the last 10 years to step down prematurely. His announcement comes as the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum also approaches. After this referendum, there has been continuous instability in British politics. Before Starmer, Liz Truss became Prime Minister, whose tenure lasted less than one and a half months. After this, Rishi Sunak remained Prime Minister for almost 20 months. Before him, Boris Johnson and Theresa May had led the country. Theresa May’s government fell amid Brexit controversies. Before all this, David Cameron was the Prime Minister, who initiated the Brexit referendum.