London Mayor Sadiq Khan Praises and Thanks Keir Starmer

JAKARTA - London Mayor Sadiq Khan thanked and praised Keir Starmer for announcing that he would resign from his post.

Khan said Keir Starmer was "a man of great integrity who has devoted his career to public service.

The London leader said he and Starmer had been friends and worked together since they were young lawyers more than three decades ago.

"He is the fifth Labour leader to win a general election," Khan said, according to the BBC (22/6).

"Starmer has made a huge contribution to the Labour Party and our country, and I want to thank him," he said.

As previously reported, Keir Starmer announced his resignation after serving less than two years after officially taking office on July 5, 2024.

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 Labor Party," he said, which means also stepping down from the position of prime minister.

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

Khan, who also comes from the Labor Party, said the next prime minister must remain firm on "the progressive values that our party was founded on."

Starmer has asked the Labour Party's National Executive Committee to set a timetable with the opening of the leadership nominations 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.