22/06/2026 09:19 - Internacionales
Un político británico haciendo un anuncio emotivo frente a la puerta negra del número 10 de Downing Street en Londres, con micrófonos y banderas del Reino Unido, día soleado
With a broken voice and visibly moved, Keir Starmer announced on June 22, 2026, his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party, in a statement outside the famous black door of Number 10 Downing Street that marked the end of nearly two years in government.
The 63-year-old British politician yielded to growing pressure from parliamentarians of his own party who questioned his ability to lead in the upcoming general elections. "The question my party is now asking is whether I am the right person to lead us in the next general elections. I have heard my parliamentary group's answer to that question and I accept it with humility," Starmer declared before the press.
The name gaining the most traction to succeed Starmer is Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017 and a 56-year-old political figure with extensive governmental experience.
Burnham became the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Makerfield constituency following a decisive victory in a by-election (a special election held outside regular electoral cycles) with 54.8% of the votes and a majority of 10,000 votes, overwhelmingly defeating Nigel Farage's Reform UK party.
This triumph provided the "proof of concept" that Labour MPs were hoping for: a figure capable of stopping the advance of the British far-right. Burnham, who previously served as Health Secretary during his 16 years as an MP, built a political narrative that the current party lacked.
He is expected to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament at Westminster on Monday, June 23, although it is not yet defined whether there will be an internal competition process or a political "coronation."
Starmer's resignation makes the United Kingdom a country with six prime ministers in just one decade, reflecting the profound political instability the nation has experienced since the Brexit referendum in 2016.
| Prime Minister | Party | Period | Reason for Exit |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Cameron | Conservative | 2010-2016 | Resigned after Brexit referendum |
| Theresa May | Conservative | 2016-2019 | Internal struggles over Brexit |
| Boris Johnson | Conservative | 2019-2022 | Scandals and internal conflicts |
| Liz Truss | Conservative | 2022 (50 days) | Financial crisis from budget |
| Rishi Sunak | Conservative | 2022-2024 | Electoral defeat |
| Keir Starmer | Labour | 2024-2026 | Internal party pressure |
The growth of the Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, a Trump ally, was decisive in Starmer's exit. After the resignation, Farage immediately demanded general elections: "If the Labour Party thinks it can impose another professional politician in Number 10 Downing Street, it is completely mistaken."
Under British law, the Labour Party is not required to call elections until 2029, five years after the last ones. However, Reform UK currently leads national opinion polls, despite having only eight MPs in Parliament.
The dynamic between Starmer and US President Donald Trump was tense. Trump announced the resignation on social media nearly 24 hours before Starmer made his decision official.
The relationship deteriorated especially when the United Kingdom refused to participate in the war against Iran. Trump compared Starmer to "a toy" and questioned whether the "special relationship" between both countries still existed.
In his farewell speech, Starmer listed several accomplishments:
Volodymyr Zelensky (Ukraine):
"I thanked him for his support and the joint decisions that have contributed to strengthening Europe and the protection of life."
Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission):
"It takes many leaders years to become the statesman you became in just two years. European and Ukrainian security is stronger thanks to you."
António Costa (European Council):
"We have opened a new chapter in relations between the EU and the United Kingdom."
Anthony Albanese (Australia):
"Starmer can be proud of the contribution he has made to the country he loves and to the Labour Party."
The most moving moment of the speech came when Starmer, on the verge of tears, mentioned his wife Victoria and his two teenage children:
"When I leave the most important job in the country, I will dedicate more time to what is most important: being the best possible husband to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been my unconditional support in good times and bad, and being the best possible father to my beautiful children, my pride and my joy."
His wife Victoria was waiting for him at the Downing Street door. The Prime Minister spent the weekend at Chequers, his country residence, consulting with very few people, mainly his wife, about what decision to make.
The succession process within the Labour Party will define the country's immediate future. If Burnham can gather enough support, there could be an orderly transition. However, if other candidates emerge, the process could extend and generate additional instability.
The new Prime Minister will face significant challenges: an economy growing at only 0.8% according to the IMF, rising energy costs due to the conflict with Iran, and constant pressure from Reform UK in the polls.
History will tell if the United Kingdom can find the stability that has eluded it during a decade of political turbulence.
Source: Official announcements from Downing Street, BBC, and international press agencies
Alfredo S. Quiroga
