The U.K. will have a new prime minister by September after Keir Starmer announced he is stepping down.
Starmer made the announcement on Monday and said his party is now focused on whether he is the right person to lead Labour into the next general election.
“The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,” he said.
Starmer told supporters that he accepts the view of Labour MPs who no longer want him to remain as leader.
“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. And I accept that answer with good grace,” he said.
“Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first.”
He said Labour’s National Executive Committee will open leadership nominations on July 9, with a new leader chosen before Parliament returns in September.
Starmer will remain as caretaker prime minister until the contest is complete.
His resignation follows months of declining support for Labour and growing pressure from within the party.
Starmer said he will support his successor and promised an orderly transition.
