UK Prime Minister Starmer resigns as Labour Party leader

LONDON, United Kingdom — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as head of government and leader of the Labour Party on Friday, ending months of speculation over his political future. Starmer said he informed King Charles of his decision during a phone call earlier in the day and asked the Labour Party's National Executive Committee to set a timetable for a new leadership contest. Under the proposed schedule, leadership nominations will open on July 9, with the contest to be completed before Parliament goes into its summer recess. Starmer said the new party leader is expected to be in place before MPs return to work in September. In his resignation speech, Starmer said he had taken over a "politically bankrupt party" and proved critics wrong who had told him Labour was finished. He argued that his government had restored public trust in the economy, defense and national security. His departure triggers a leadership race within the Labour Party, though the timeline leaves the process to be completed over the summer rather than during parliamentary sessions. No further details on potential candidates were immediately available.