23/06/2026 04:39 - Internacionales
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation from outside Number 10 Downing Street, bringing an end to nearly two years leading the British government. The decision came after mounting internal pressure within the Labour Party, whose leadership saw its credibility eroded by economic stagnation, rising living costs, and controversies that undermined confidence in his administration.
Starmer, 63 years old, came to power in July 2024 following a decisive victory that ended fourteen years of Conservative governments. He had promised to restore stability to the United Kingdom, boost economic growth, and rebuild trust in politics. However, political circumstances proved unfavorable.
The final blow came after the May 2026 local elections, where the Labour Party lost approximately 1,500 councilors and several ministers left the cabinet. This was compounded by controversy over appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, a decision that sparked internal rejection.
The victory of Andy Burnham in a by-election held last week convinced much of the party that change was needed. Burnham won a seat in the House of Commons by winning the Makerfield constituency with nearly 55% of votes, defeating the Reform UK candidate and attracting votes from other progressive sectors.
Andy Burnham, 56 years old, has served as Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017 and is a prominent figure of Labour's left wing. Considered the country's most popular politician according to several polls, he immediately confirmed his candidacy and defined Starmer's departure as "the beginning of a transition."
His position strengthened when former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who had considered running for leadership, decided to support him. Streeting argued that Burnham has better chances of stopping the rise of Reform UK, the party led by Nigel Farage.
The Labour Party's National Executive Committee will open nominations on July 9, 2026. Each candidate must secure backing from at least 81 Labour MPs, plus support from local organizations or unions.
If Burnham were the only candidate, he could be proclaimed leader around July 16 and become Prime Minister one or two days later, when King Charles III officially invites him to form a government.
With Starmer's resignation, the United Kingdom prepares for its seventh Prime Minister in just one decade. This succession reflects the political instability that has characterized the country since the Brexit referendum in 2016.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, demanded general elections following the resignation. However, since Labour holds an absolute majority in the House of Commons, no elections are required, with the next ones scheduled for 2029.
World leaders such as Volodymyr Zelensky, Ursula von der Leyen, and Antonio Costa recognized Starmer's management. In his farewell speech, the outgoing Prime Minister mentioned he will dedicate more time to his wife Victoria and their children.
Next Steps: Starmer will remain at the head of the Executive to ensure an orderly transition. If other candidates emerge, the decision will rest with party members through a preferential voting system, and the process could extend until September, coinciding with the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
