UMVA has learned that Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister, marking the end of a tumultuous tenure that began with high hopes and promises of change.
In a shocking turn of events, Starmer announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party, citing his commitment to putting the party first. The governing body of Labour will now set out a timetable to replace him, with a new leader expected to be in place before Parliament returns in September.
Starmer's premiership was marred by a series of missteps, blunders, and unpopular decisions that eroded his personal popularity and public support for Labour. Despite securing a landslide victory, his approval ratings began to tank soon after he entered Downing Street.
One of the earliest and most significant blows came when the new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced plans to scrap winter fuel payments for pensioners not on benefits. The decision sparked widespread criticism and was widely blamed for a collapse in public support.
The government soon found itself derided for a string of U-turns on important issues, totalling as many as 13. These included Reeves' decision to raise National Insurance on employers, despite Labour's manifesto pledge not to increase the tax.
Starmer's leadership was also hit by a series of sleaze scandals, which undermined his promise to return politics to 'public service'. He faced scrutiny over gifts and donations, including football tickets worth over £100,000, as well as failing to declare high-end clothes bought for his wife by a Labour donor.
The final straw came when Starmer appointed Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador, despite Mandelson's ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The scandal continued to haunt Labour, despite Mandelson's eventual removal from the post.
In his short time in office, Starmer did secure some long-term reforms, including measures to boost rights for private and social renters, the nationalisation of rail services, and a lifetime ban on anyone born after 2008 buying cigarettes.
He also won praise for his relationship with US President Donald Trump and his continued support for Ukraine's fight against Russia. However, the damage had already been done, and Labour's local election drubbing in May, where they lost 1400 council seats, sealed Starmer's fate.
As the Labour Party begins to look for a new leader, all eyes are on Andy Burnham, the former Manchester mayor who stormed to victory in the Makerfield by-election. Burnham is the clear favourite to take over, with many believing he would easily obtain the backing of the 81 MPs needed to begin a leadership contest.
Other senior figures have warned against a coronation of Burnham, arguing that anyone hoping to become the UK's leader should be publicly tested. However, Burnham remains the overwhelming favourite to win any contest, having demonstrated his ability to defeat Reform in Thursday's by-election.
