By Kede Aihie
The United Kingdom has had seven prime ministers in ten years. Sir Keir Starmer is now the latest party leader to stand down after mounting pressure from within Labour.
A podium was erected outside Downing Street on Monday as Mr Starmer prepared to address the nation. Hundreds gathered to watch. More than 100 Labour MPs had publicly called for his resignation following a by-election in which Labour lost 24 of 25 council seats to Reform UK.
Without the backing of his Cabinet colleagues, Mr Starmer’s position as party leader became untenable. He had pointed to Andy Burnham’s victory in Greater Manchester as evidence that Reform could be beaten.
Mr Starmer chose to quit rather than fight on or set a departure timetable. The contest for a new Labour leader will be held in July or September. He appeared visibly emotional as he concluded his remarks.
