Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as Labour leader, triggering a leadership contest that will determine both the party’s future direction and Britain’s next prime minister. Starmer said he had concluded he was no longer the best person to lead Labour into the next general election and had informed the King of his intention to resign once a successor is chosen. Nominations for the leadership contest are due to open in July, with a new leader expected before Parliament returns in September. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is widely viewed as the frontrunner after securing a strong victory in the recent Makerfield by-election, while other potential candidates are still considering whether to stand. Starmer will remain prime minister during the transition period and pledged his full support to whoever succeeds him. His departure marks another significant chapter in British politics, with the UK preparing to welcome its seventh prime minister since 2016. A leadership race (if held) is expected to focus on economic growth, public services, energy policy, and Labour’s future electoral strategy. See and see