Kier Starmer is resigning as UK PM

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Starmer says new PM to take over mid July if Burnham unopposed, or by end of August if there's election

I 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.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/jun/22/keir-starmer-resignation-timeable-andy-burnham-labour-leadership-prime-minister-latest-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6a38f45a8f088f86b42f813e#block-6a38f45a8f088f86b42f813e