0h 6min, jun 22, 2026 y - Starmer Quits

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Sir Keir Starmer has said he will quit as Labour Party leader, paving the way for a contest to decide a new prime minister.

Speaking in Downing Street, Sir Keir said he accepted he was not best placed to lead Labour into the next general election and he had informed King Charles III of his decision to step down.

He added that he had asked Labour's governing body to set out a timetable to replace him, with nominations opening on 9 July and ending by the summer recess on 16 July.

He said if there was a contest then a new leader would be in place before Parliament returned in September, and he would "do everything" he could to ensure an "orderly" transition of power.

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