Political turmoil: UK will see its seventh prime minister in 10 years | Politics News
Keir Starmer Resigns as Prime Minister Amid Internal Pressure
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, less than two years after leading the Labour Party to a significant election victory. His decision follows increasing unrest within the party, prompting the search for the United Kingdom’s seventh prime minister in just a decade.
In an emotional speech, Starmer stated that he will remain in office until his successor is chosen. The Labour leadership contest is set to begin on July 9 and is expected to conclude before Parliament’s summer recess.
Starmer’s position had been weakened by weeks of internal pressure following disappointing results in local elections. His resignation was ultimately precipitated by a decisive parliamentary by-election victory in Makerfield by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Since 2016, the UK has seen six prime ministers, with a turnover averaging one every 18 months to two years. This is a stark contrast to the longer tenures of previous leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, each of whom governed for over a decade.
The recent prime ministers are:
- David Cameron resigned in 2016 after losing the Brexit referendum.
- Theresa May stepped down in 2019 following repeated setbacks in securing parliamentary approval for her Brexit agreement.
- Boris Johnson left office in 2022 amid scandals and ministerial resignations that destabilized his government.
- Liz Truss resigned in 2022 after just 49 days, a record short premiership, amid market upheaval from her economic plans.
- Rishi Sunak departed after the Conservatives’ significant defeat in the 2024 general election.
- Keir Starmer resigned on Monday due to rising pressure from within the Labour Party after poor local election outcomes.
The longest-serving prime minister in British history was Robert Walpole, who served for over 20 years in the early 18th century. In recent history, Thatcher led for more than 11 years, while Blair’s tenure lasted a decade. Conversely, Truss holds the record for the shortest term, at just 49 days.
With Burnham’s return to the House of Commons, he has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Starmer. Other Labour figures, including former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, are also expected to consider a run for the leadership. A candidate must secure the nominations of 81 Labour MPs to appear on the ballot, which could lead to a prolonged summer campaign or a swift, uncontested transition, depending on any potential backroom agreements.
