Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has officially announced his resignation, bringing his time in office to an end with a farewell speech reflecting on his achievements, his gratitude to the British people, and his confidence in the country’s future.
Addressing the nation on Sunday, July 20, 2026, Starmer said his tenure had come to a natural conclusion.
“Today I am here to offer my resignation and close the book on my time as Prime Minister. My work is done.”
Reflecting on his political journey, Starmer highlighted how he led the Labour Party from its heavy defeat in the 2019 general election to a decisive victory in 2024, which ultimately brought the party back into government.
“In six and a half years, I took our party from a historic defeat in 2019, changed it so it was fit to face the country and won a landslide general election victory in 2024.”
He described serving as Prime Minister as the greatest honour of his life and expressed pride in what his administration had accomplished over the past two years.
“Since then, it has been the privilege of my life to serve you and this great country as Prime Minister. I am confident that Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago.”
Starmer pointed to improvements in the economy, public services, poverty reduction, immigration management, national security and Britain’s standing on the global stage as key achievements of his government.
“Our economy is stronger. Our public services are on the up, with the biggest fall in waiting times for 17 years. Children are being lifted out of poverty every single day. Immigration is down significantly. Our defence and security are on a far stronger footing. And our international reputation is greatly enhanced.”
Beyond government policies, Starmer said the greatest lesson of his premiership came from witnessing the resilience, compassion and dedication of ordinary Britons.
“Yet the thing I will always take away with me, the most humbling aspect of this job, is the front row seat you get to witness the greatest things of this country in action. To see, every day, immeasurable acts of resolve, grit, decency and compassion.”
He paid tribute to members of the armed forces, healthcare workers, volunteers and citizens whose daily efforts continue to strengthen communities across the country.
The outgoing Prime Minister also warned against growing global threats aimed at dividing democratic societies, stressing that Britain must remain united in the face of external challenges.
“We face a world now where our enemies will stop at nothing to divide us because of our values, our freedom, our decency, and frankly, because of our unflinching resolve towards the brave people of Ukraine.”
He urged Britons to remain confident in their shared values and to resist division.
“So under this attack, it is vital that we remember the greatness of the Britain all around us. That while we debate how to fix our problems, there is something we inherit from our country and our character that can give us confidence that we can change our country for the better.”
Starmer also pledged his full support to Andy Burnham, who is set to succeed him as Prime Minister.
“So, as I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support.”
Concluding his remarks, Starmer expressed appreciation to his family, political colleagues, government staff, civil servants, Labour Party members and everyone who contributed to his administration.
“For all the focus on individuals, politics will always be a team sport. And the changes we’ve delivered for our country and our party belong to everyone who has fought for them. I thank them again today.”
He ended by thanking the British people for the opportunity to serve, saying he leaves office with pride and gratitude.
“And I thank the British people for the opportunity to serve. I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved. Thank you very much.”
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