UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation

Keir Starmer has officially announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He confirmed that he has informed King Charles III of his decision to step down following mounting pressure from within his party. The leadership succession process is scheduled to begin with candidate nominations opening on July 9. If a contest occurs, the process is expected to be completed before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September. Should there be only one nominee, a new leader could be in place before the summer break begins on July 16. Andy Burnham, who recently returned to the House of Commons after winning the Makerfield by-election, is widely considered the favorite to succeed Starmer. Starmer will remain in office as caretaker Prime Minister until his successor is formally chosen. The transition comes amid internal Labour Party dissatisfaction and political pressure from opposition groups like Reform UK.