European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has paid tribute to outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following his resignation, describing him as a leader who quickly earned the stature of a statesman and played a key role in strengthening European security.

Starmer announced on Monday that he would step down as Labour Party leader and Prime Minister, bringing an end to months of political uncertainty and paving the way for a leadership contest to determine his successor.

Reacting to the announcement, von der Leyen praised Starmer’s contribution to Europe and Ukraine’s security efforts.

“It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years. European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you. Thank you, dear Keir,” the European Commission president posted online.

Starmer’s resignation follows increasing pressure within the Labour Party after a disappointing performance in local elections held in May, as well as growing criticism from some Labour lawmakers over his leadership style and policy direction.

The decision marks a dramatic turn for a leader who less than two years ago guided Labour to one of its biggest parliamentary victories in the 2024 general election.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street shortly after 9:30 a.m. in London, Starmer confirmed he would remain in office until the party completes the process of selecting a new leader.

He said the arrangement would help ensure a smooth and orderly transfer of power.

The announcement formally opens the race to succeed him as Labour leader and UK Prime Minister, with attention now shifting to potential contenders and the future direction of the governing party.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, bringing an end to his leadership of both the Labour Party and the UK government.

Speaking during a press conference at Downing Street, Starmer said he would work to ensure an orderly transfer of power and pledged his full support to whoever succeeds him. His departure follows months of growing political pressure within Labour, concerns over the party’s electoral fortunes, and increasing calls from some lawmakers for a change in leadership.

The resignation marks a major turning point in British politics, coming just two years after Labour’s landslide victory in the 2024 general election returned the party to power after more than a decade in opposition.

Why Did Keir Starmer Resign?

Although Starmer had repeatedly insisted he would contest any leadership challenge, pressure within Labour intensified following disappointing local election performances and declining approval ratings.

Many party members became concerned about Labour’s ability to maintain public support ahead of future elections, particularly amid the growing popularity of Reform UK and mounting dissatisfaction among traditional Labour voters. Reports suggest that Starmer ultimately concluded that stepping aside would allow the party to reset and avoid a prolonged internal battle. Keir Starmer is understood to have accepted the party’s mood and decided to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.

His departure makes him one of several recent British prime ministers to leave office before completing a full parliamentary term, highlighting the continued instability that has characterised British politics in recent years.

Who Is Likely To Take Over?

Attention has quickly shifted to Andy Burnham, who is widely regarded as the leading contender to replace Starmer.

Burnham’s position strengthened considerably after his decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, which saw him return to Parliament and remove the biggest obstacle to any future leadership bid.

The former cabinet minister has long been viewed as one of Labour’s most influential figures. He previously served as Health Secretary and Culture Secretary under Labour governments and has led Greater Manchester as mayor since 2017.

His profile rose nationally during the COVID-19 pandemic when he publicly challenged the Conservative government over regional lockdown restrictions and funding arrangements for northern England. He has also received praise for reforms to Greater Manchester’s public transport network through the Bee Network initiative.

Many Labour MPs see Burnham as someone capable of reconnecting the party with working-class voters and rebuilding support in areas where Labour has recently struggled.

While other names could emerge in a leadership contest, Burnham is currently considered the strongest candidate based on support among party members, MPs and sections of the wider Labour movement.

Why Burnham Is Seen As The Favourite

Burnham’s victory in Makerfield was more than just a by-election win; it was viewed by many within Labour as evidence that he remains one of the party’s most effective campaigners.

The result increased Labour’s vote share in the constituency and reinforced perceptions that Burnham could provide the fresh start many members believe the party needs.

For months, discussions about Labour’s future leadership had included Burnham’s name. However, until recently, he was unable to challenge for the leadership because he was not serving as a Member of Parliament.

His return to Westminster has now transformed him from a potential contender into the clear frontrunner.

What Happens Next?

Despite announcing his resignation, Starmer is expected to remain in office temporarily as caretaker Prime Minister while Labour completes its leadership transition.

The party is expected to open nominations for a leadership contest in the coming weeks, with a new leader likely to be chosen before Parliament returns from its summer recess.

If Burnham secures overwhelming support or emerges as the sole serious candidate, the transition could happen relatively quickly. However, if additional candidates enter the race, Labour members may be asked to vote in a full leadership election during the summer.

Will There Be A General Election?

At present, there is no requirement for a general election.

Under the UK parliamentary system, a governing party can replace its leader without seeking a fresh mandate from voters, provided it retains a majority in the House of Commons.

Labour continues to hold a substantial parliamentary majority following its 2024 election victory. This means that whoever emerges as the party’s new leader will automatically become Prime Minister.

Reports indicate that Burnham has no plans to call an early election should he become leader, meaning the next nationwide vote is still expected to take place in 2029.

A Defining Moment For Labour

Starmer’s resignation closes a significant chapter in Labour’s history. He will be remembered as the leader who guided the party back into government after years in opposition, but also as a prime minister whose tenure became increasingly overshadowed by internal dissatisfaction and political pressure.

The focus now turns to Andy Burnham and the leadership race that could determine Labour’s future direction. Whether Burnham ultimately secures the top job or faces a competitive contest, the coming weeks are likely to shape not only the future of the Labour Party but also the future course of British politics.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has officially announced his resignation from office, bringing an end to his tenure as the leader of the United Kingdom.

Starmer disclosed his decision during a press conference at Downing Street in London on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Addressing the nation, he pledged to ensure a smooth and orderly transition of power, while promising to offer his full support to whoever succeeds him as Prime Minister.

Starmer assumed office in 2024 after leading the Labour Party to a historic landslide victory in the UK general election.

The 63-year-old inherited a wide range of political and economic challenges upon taking office, facing what many observers described as one of the most demanding agendas for any incoming British leader in recent history.

Before entering frontline politics, Starmer built a distinguished legal career. As a barrister, he became known for representing vulnerable individuals and working on cases involving human rights, including efforts to secure the release of prisoners facing death sentences in various parts of the world.

His transition into politics came later in life, as he entered Parliament in 2015 after being elected as a Labour lawmaker. A year earlier, he had received a knighthood in recognition of his contributions to law and criminal justice.

Starmer became leader of the Labour Party in 2020 following the party’s worst electoral performance since 1935.

Tasked with rebuilding Labour’s image and electoral prospects, he adopted a cautious and methodical approach that eventually helped return the party to power four years later.

His resignation marks a significant moment in British politics and opens the door to a new leadership transition within the Labour Party and government.

As the process of selecting a successor begins, attention will now turn to who will take over the leadership of both the party and the country, as Starmer prepares to hand over power after two years as Prime Minister.

Andy Burnham is once again at the centre of UK political conversation after securing a return to Westminster and positioning himself as a potential challenger for the Labour Party leadership.

A seasoned politician with decades of experience spanning cabinet roles, mayoral leadership, and two previous leadership bids, Burnham’s comeback has reignited debate about his ambitions to become Prime Minister and the direction of the Labour Party amid shifting political dynamics.

Who Is Andy Burnham? The Returning MP and Labour Leadership Contender

Andy Burnham is a British Labour politician born in Liverpool in 1970. He has served as a Member of Parliament, cabinet minister, and most recently as the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Known for his strong regional identity and grassroots appeal, Burnham first entered Parliament in 2001 after working in journalism and as a political researcher.

Over the years, he has held several senior government positions, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and Secretary of State for Health under former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He has also twice contested Labour leadership elections but was unsuccessful on both occasions.

Burnham later became Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017, where he gained national recognition for transport reform through the “Bee Network” and his vocal opposition to Covid-era lockdown policies imposed on northern England, earning him the nickname “King of the North.”

Andy Burnham’s Political Journey and Path Back to Westminster

Burnham’s political rise began after studying English at Cambridge University, followed by early work in journalism and political research. He quickly climbed the Labour ranks, becoming a special adviser before winning the Leigh constituency seat in 2001.

His ministerial career saw rapid progression under Labour governments, though his political journey has included both setbacks and comebacks. After unsuccessful leadership bids in 2010 and 2015, he shifted focus to regional leadership, winning the Greater Manchester mayoral election with a strong mandate and later securing re-election with an even larger majority.

As mayor, Burnham introduced major transport reforms, most notably the integration of local bus services under public control, and championed regional economic development and social welfare initiatives. His leadership during national crises also significantly boosted his public profile.

His recent return to Parliament, following a by-election victory, has renewed speculation about a potential Labour leadership contest. Burnham has confirmed he would “stand in any leadership contest,” signaling readiness for a possible challenge to current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Andy Burnham’s Leadership Ambitions and Future in UK Politics

Burnham’s return to Westminster comes at a politically sensitive time for Labour, following mixed election results and growing internal debates about leadership direction. He is widely viewed as one of the most influential figures capable of reshaping the party’s fortunes.

He has previously stated that while leadership contests are not ideal for political stability, he would participate if one were triggered. His return also meets a key requirement for leadership eligibility, as candidates must currently sit in Parliament.

Supporters argue that Burnham represents a strong electoral asset for Labour, particularly in northern England, where he maintains significant popularity. Critics, however, question his shifting political positions over the years, describing him as adaptable to changing political winds.

Despite this, Burnham remains a prominent figure in discussions about Labour’s future direction, with his blend of national experience and regional leadership making him a central player in UK politics moving forward.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that he would participate in any future leadership contest within his party, following political developments that have fuelled speculation about a possible challenge to his position.

Starmer made the remarks on Friday after potential rival Andy Burnham secured victory in a parliamentary seat, paving the way for a return to Westminster and increasing speculation about a possible leadership bid.

Speaking to reporters, Starmer said he did not believe a leadership contest would be beneficial for the country but made it clear that he would defend his position if challenged.

“If there is a contest … then yes I will run, I will stand.”

The prime minister stressed his commitment to leading the country and dismissed suggestions that he might step aside.

“I’ve said repeatedly I’m not going to walk away from that.”

Burnham’s return to Parliament has intensified discussions about the future direction of the governing party, with some political observers viewing him as a potential contender for the leadership.

Despite the speculation, Starmer remains focused on his premiership and has publicly reaffirmed his intention to continue leading both the government and the party.

The comments come at a time of growing political scrutiny in the United Kingdom, with attention increasingly turning to the strength of Starmer’s leadership and the prospects of any future internal challenge.

At least 18 people have been killed in southern Lebanon following a wave of overnight Israeli airstrikes, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, while the Israeli military says four of its soldiers were killed in separate clashes with Hezbollah.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes targeted militants and infrastructure linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

The escalation comes just a day after the United States and Iran signed an agreement aimed at ending the wider Middle East conflict, including provisions calling for a permanent halt to hostilities in Lebanon.

Despite the agreement, both Israel and Hezbollah have continued exchanging attacks, casting doubt on the durability of the truce framework.

The US-Iran deal calls for an end to military operations across the region and emphasizes respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

However, Israel has maintained that its campaign against Hezbollah is separate from the conflict involving Iran and has insisted that it will not withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory.

Lebanon’s National News Agency described Thursday’s bombardment across the Nabatieh district as one of the most intense assaults since the conflict began.

According to Lebanese authorities, at least 18 people were killed, 33 others injured, and several buildings damaged during the strikes.

Hezbollah said it carried out an ambush against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, claiming to have destroyed three tanks using guided missiles while also targeting soldiers with rocket and artillery attacks.

The latest confrontation is part of the broader conflict that intensified after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following a strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader.

Israel responded by expanding military operations in Lebanon, launching extensive airstrikes and ground incursions into the south with the stated aim of pushing Hezbollah fighters away from its northern border.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, at least 3,783 people have been killed and 11,699 wounded since the latest phase of the conflict began.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing growing domestic pressure to continue military operations against Hezbollah, a position that could deepen tensions with US President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized Israel’s actions in Lebanon.

Following the deaths of the four Israeli soldiers, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir issued a strongly worded response.

“With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not up for bargaining,” he said in a statement.

He also declared that “all of Lebanon must burn”.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called on Israel to comply with the agreement and urged the United States to pressure the Israeli government to respect the terms of the deal.

The US-Iran agreement includes provisions covering Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and a commitment by both parties to work toward a comprehensive settlement within 60 days, with the possibility of extending the timeline by mutual consent.

Efforts to advance the agreement have already encountered challenges.

A fresh round of direct negotiations scheduled for Friday was postponed after US Vice-President JD Vance cancelled his planned visit to Switzerland.

Vance has previously criticized members of Netanyahu’s cabinet who oppose the deal, urging them to “wake up and smell reality”.

“If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” he told reporters.

In an interview with the New York Times, Vance specifically identified Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as critics of the agreement.

“I guess my response to them would be – what is your exact proposal? You’re a country of nine million people. You can’t just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have.”

Despite disagreements over the agreement, Netanyahu stressed on Thursday that the relationship between Israel and the United States remains vital.

He said Washington had stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Israel throughout the conflict with Iran.

However, reports suggest tensions have emerged behind the scenes, with leaks indicating that Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration with Netanyahu during private conversations.

US officials have also clarified that while Lebanon falls under the broader ceasefire framework, the agreement does not require Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory and preserves Israel’s right to self-defence.

Vice President JD Vance has become the central figure defending the US-Iran agreement, even as President Donald Trump continues to dominate the political narrative around the deal.

At a White House press briefing on Thursday, Vance dismissed suggestions that Trump had positioned him as a “fall guy” for a controversial agreement that has divided Republicans in Washington. Responding to Trump’s remark that he might blame the vice president if the deal fails, Vance said he believed the president was joking.

Throughout the week, Vance has taken on the task of publicly defending the memorandum of understanding with Iran, but his efforts have often been overshadowed or complicated by mixed messages from Trump and other senior officials.

He also faced uncertainty over a planned trip to Switzerland for a signing ceremony with Iranian representatives, with questions about the logistics of the event highlighting the confusion surrounding the deal. The White House later confirmed that Vance would not be travelling, at least for the time being.

Despite the challenges, Vance has remained one of the most vocal supporters of the agreement, delivering strong arguments in its defence and even criticising Israel’s reaction more sharply than the president has publicly done.

However, the timing of the diplomatic push comes at a politically sensitive moment for Vance, who recently released a memoir that has fuelled speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run.

Analysts say his role in the Iran deal could prove politically risky, as the Republican Party remains split between anti-interventionist supporters of Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement and more traditional foreign policy hawks who view the agreement as overly concessional to Tehran.

Other senior officials have largely avoided the spotlight. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has maintained a lower profile, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has focused more on military aspects of the broader regional conflict rather than the diplomatic negotiations.

Some Republicans argue that Vance has been left carrying responsibility for a politically sensitive agreement, with critics suggesting Trump has deliberately distanced himself from potential backlash. Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak said the situation reflects a pattern in which presidents avoid political fallout by delegating responsibility to deputies.

The agreement itself has also been marked by confusion over its details. Early announcements suggested Iran could access a $300 billion reconstruction fund if it met its obligations, but Trump later dismissed such claims, insisting the US would not contribute financially. The final text included language about working with regional partners on a reconstruction plan, further fuelling debate over its meaning.

On Iran’s nuclear programme, Vance has echoed Trump’s position that the deal represents an initial step toward preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, although key technical issues are still to be negotiated in the coming months.

However, critics in the US Senate have raised concerns that the agreement does not go far enough, arguing it fails to meaningfully limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions and could embolden Tehran diplomatically.

During the same period, Trump alternated between publicly supporting the deal and downplaying its significance, even joking that he might blame Vance if it collapses. At one point, he appeared uncertain about whether the document required a formal signing, before later signing a copy during a high-profile event in France.

The inconsistency has added to the perception that Vance is carrying the diplomatic burden of the agreement while Trump remains the dominant political voice.

Despite criticism, Vance has defended the deal as a pragmatic step forward, pointing to early signs such as falling oil prices as evidence of its potential benefits. He has insisted that the agreement will succeed if Iran complies with its commitments, while warning that failure to do so would have no negative impact on the United States.

“If they change their behaviour, big things are going to happen,” Vance said. “If they don’t, no skin off our backs. Either way, we win.”

As negotiations continue, Vance’s role places him at the centre of one of the most consequential and politically sensitive foreign policy efforts of the Trump administration, with both success and failure likely to carry significant political implications for his future.