Why did Keir Starmer Resign? (Andy Burnham sworn in as MP)

Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Labour leader on Monday.

Starmer spoke outside 10 Downing Street hours after Andy Burnham won a by-election and returned to Parliament as MP for Makerfield. Starmer said his party questioned whether he remained the best person to lead Labour into the next general election. He accepted that judgment.

"Every decision I've taken has been about putting the country I love first," Starmer said. "That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party."

He told the King of his decision and will stay in office as caretaker until a new Labour leader takes over, with a timetable that sets the process for completion by early September.

Labour suffered heavy losses in May local and regional elections. Those results increased pressure on Starmer from within his own party.

Revelations around his appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, given Mandelson's past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, added to the criticism. Starmer later removed Mandelson from the role.

Public approval ratings for Starmer and Labour fell sharply. Polls showed widespread dissatisfaction with the government's direction on issues including the cost of living and delivery of promised change after the 2024 election victory.

Andy Burnham confirmed he will stand for the Labour leadership. He received an endorsement from former health secretary Wes Streeting, who ruled himself out of the race. Many observers see this as clearing the path for Burnham.

Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, won the Makerfield by-election last week with 54.8% of the vote. He traveled to London and was sworn in as MP on Monday afternoon.

Labour MPs cheered as he took the oath, though some opposition lawmakers heckled with references to "saviour" and Monty Python lines.

Burnham said he plans to put his name forward when nominations open.

Allies of Starmer reportedly urged other figures, including Darren Jones, to challenge Burnham to avoid what some called a "coronation."

Opposition leaders reacted quickly. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the timing and accused Burnham of seeking a "summer holiday."

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey highlighted the "endless merry-go-round of prime ministers." Reform UK's Nigel Farage and others pointed to Labour's losses as evidence of broader voter discontent.

This marks the sixth change of prime minister in about 10 years. The next general election does not have to occur until 2029, though a new leader could call one earlier.

Burnham has positioned himself as a candidate with strong regional appeal and experience outside Westminster. He previously ran for Labour leadership and lost. His return to Parliament follows nearly a decade as Greater Manchester mayor.

Starmer's time in office included some claimed successes such as reductions in NHS waiting lists, wage growth in certain sectors, higher defense spending, and efforts on small boat crossings.

Critics, however, focused on broken promises, policy reversals, and failure to connect with voters.

Labour MPs expressed a range of views. Some in the south of England offered mixed reactions, with concerns about the party's direction and electoral prospects against a rising Reform UK.

The leadership contest will now unfold over the coming weeks, with Burnham as the clear frontrunner. A new prime minister and cabinet could take shape before Parliament's summer break.