Keir Starmer Announces He Will Resign as British PM

JAKARTA - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that he would resign from his current position as well as the position of Labor Party Leader.

This announcement was made at a press conference in front of the British PM's residence, Downing Street 10, London.

"I will resign as leader of the Labour Party," he said, launching the BBC (22/6).

The resignation is inseparable from the strong pressure of members of parliament, making Britain have its sixth prime minister in the last seven years.

"The question my party is asking now is whether I am the right person to lead us into the next general election," he said, quoted by CNN.

"I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace. Every decision I take is to put the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King (Charles III) this morning to inform him of my decision."

Starmer's grip on power has been wavering for months - weakened by a change of course, poor local election results and his decision to appoint Jeffrey Epstein-linked Peter Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the US.

Starmer said he would do everything he could to ensure a smooth transition of power, and would give his successor his full support.

They know, he continued, that they inherited a stronger and fairer Britain than two years ago.

He then thanked friends and colleagues who had been by his side for six years, as well as the No. 10 staff and "incredible civil servants".

He has asked the Labor Party's National Executive Committee to set a timetable with the opening of nominations for the leadership on July 9, and to be completed before the summer recess.

This means a new leader will take office before parliament returns in September.

Until then, he will remain in office as prime minister, he said.