Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, declaring, “My job is done.” Following his resignation, newly elected Labour Party leader Andy Burnham met with King Charles III and formally accepted the mandate to form a new government. Burnham is set to move into 10 Downing Street today as the UK’s fifth prime minister in the past four years.
Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered his final speech outside 10 Downing Street before leaving office. Opening his remarks by saying, “My job is done,” Starmer reflected on his six-and-a-half years as leader of the Labour Party, noting that he had rebuilt the party after its heavy defeat in the 2019 general election and led it to a decisive victory in 2024.
King Accepts Starmer’s Resignation
Shortly after his speech, Starmer departed Downing Street to applause from the gathered crowd and traveled to Buckingham Palace. There, he formally tendered his resignation to King Charles III, who accepted it. As a result, the United Kingdom was briefly left without a prime minister.
Burnham Immediately Meets the King
Labour Party’s new leader and incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham then traveled to Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles III. During the audience, the King formally invited Burnham to form a new government. After accepting the invitation, Burnham headed to Downing Street to begin his tenure as prime minister.