Deputy PM of the UK Praises Keir Starmer as a Person of Principle and High Character

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. (Wikimedia Commons/FCDO)

JAKARTA - Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Lammy praised Keir Starmer as a person of principle and noble character, following his announcement of his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Deputy PM Starmer was one of the figures present when Starmer made the announcement at a press conference in the courtyard of the British PM's Official Residence at Downing Street 10, London, Monday.

In a brief statement to BBC News he said: "Today we have witnessed the 'modesty and kindness of the man' in Starmer's resignation.

"He is a good, principled and virtuous man. I think we have seen in his resignation this morning the character of a man who puts the country first," he praised, quoted by the BBC (22/6).

Lammy further said Starmer's legacy as Labour leader includes "eradicating antisemitism" in the party and lifting the party from the 2019 election defeat to a landslide victory in 2024.

As Prime Minister, Lammy continued, Starmer has stabilized the economy, restored Britain's reputation on the international stage, supported Ukraine, and successfully reduced the NHS health service waiting list.

Lammy added that he felt "hugely proud" to have worked with her and would also be loyal to the next Labour leader.

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.

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.