Keir Starmer expected to announce departure as prime minister on Monday

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is widely expected to announce his resignation on Monday, June 22, 2026, setting the stage for a dramatic leadership contest within the Labour Party. This move comes after overwhelming pressure from his own Labour MP and follows Andy Burnham decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, which now paves his path to challenge Starmer for the top job. Starmer, who became Prime Minister in July 2024, has reportedly concluded that his position has become untenable amidst growing discontent within his party. The internal crisis for Starmer has been building for months, fueled by a series of policy missteps, declining public popularity, and significant losses in recent local and regional elections to parties like the populist Reform UK. The Makerfield by-election was deliberately engineered by the resignation of a Labour MP, Josh Simons, to allow Andy Burnham, the popular Greater Manchester Mayor, to return to the House of Commons and, crucially, become eligible to mount a leadership challenge. Burnham's victory with a substantial majority on June 18th solidified his position as the frontrunner to replace Starmer, intensifying calls for the Prime Minister to step aside. While Starmer had previously vowed to fight any challenge, reports suggest he is now planning an 'orderly exit,' potentially remaining in office until the Labour Party annual conference in the autumn to ensure a smooth transition. This expected announcement will kickstart a critical period for UK politics, with all eyes on how swiftly a new Labour Leader can be chosen and whether other contenders will emerge to challenge Burnham. The next few weeks will define the future direction of the Labour Party and, consequently, the UK government.