Keir Starmer announces resignation in Downing Street statement

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation in a speech in Downing Street.

Pressure had been growing on the PM since Andy Burnham was elected as an MP in the Makerfield by-election.

He said he accepted with “good grace” that his party did not believe him the best person to lead it into the general election.

But he said he would stay in post until any leadership contest had concluded. 

He said: “Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.

“I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening on 9 July and completed by the summer recess.

“In the case of a contest, this will ensure that a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September.”

Starmer said walking into Downing Street after the 2024 general election had been “the proudest moment of my life.”

And he said his government had made progress on immigration, defence spending and had “restored” Britain's reputation in the world.

He said: “I know the question being asked now is not who was best placed to change the Labour Party…the question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead it into a general election.

“I have heard the answer from my parliamentary party to that question and I accept that answer with good grace.”

The PM said he would doing everything he could to ensure an “orderly handover”.

He added: “I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago.”

He fought back tears as he concluded his speech by thanking his wife and children who he said he looked forward to spending more time with. 

More to follow.