Starmer to step down as PM and sets out timetable for succession
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he will give his successor his ‘full and unequivocal support’ as he confirmed he will be stepping down as leader of the Labour Party.
An emotional Starmer said he has asked the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening for the leadership on July 9.
‘In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September,’ Starmer added.
‘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 July 16.
Starmer said he had ‘heard the answer’ of his party as to whether he was best placed to lead them into the next general election and ‘accepts that answer with good grace’.
Every decision he said he has taken has been about ‘putting the country I love first’.
Starmer said he had informed the King of his decision.
Andy Burnham who won the Makerfield by-election last week is widely tipped to succeed Starmer, with former health secretary Wes Streeting another possible candidate.
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