British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, less than two years after leading the Labour Party to a landslide election victory in 2024.

Starmer said he would remain in office until a successor is chosen, pledging an orderly transition of power following growing pressure from within the Labour Party over his leadership. Reports indicate that declining public approval ratings, poor local election results, and internal divisions contributed to his decision to step down.

His position became increasingly precarious after Labour suffered major setbacks in recent local elections and faced a rising challenge from the Reform UK party. Senior party figures had also questioned his leadership following a series of controversies and policy reversals.

Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has emerged as the leading contender to succeed Starmer after securing strong support within the party. A Labour leadership contest is expected to begin immediately, with nominations opening in the coming weeks.

Starmer, who became prime minister in July 2024, said he accepted the party’s verdict with “good grace” and pledged to support his successor. His departure marks one of the shortest premierships in modern British political history and leaves the United Kingdom searching for its seventh prime minister in a decade.