Keir Starmer resigns, hailing his achievement in curing Labour of antisemitism

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation less than two years after coming to power, triggering a Labour leadership contest with Andy Burnham seen as his likely successor.

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer revealed his party had questioned whether he was best placed to lead Labour into the next general election. He said, “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.”

Jewish Labour peer Lord Mike Katz paid tribute, telling Jewish News: “Keir Starmer was true to his word: he promised to rip the poison of antisemitism out of the Labour Party, and he did just that.”

Starmer spent the weekend considering his future with his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, as support at Westminster dwindled.

Addressing supporters outside No.10 with his wife Victoria, Starmer explained: “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead the party into the next general election. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.”

Starmer said he had informed King Charles of his decision and asked Labour’s governing body to set a timetable for his replacement, beginning July 9 and concluding before Parliament returns in September.

During his speech, Starmer — his voice cracking with emotion as he praised his wife as his “rock” — reflected on leading Labour after Jeremy Corbyn and his efforts to root out antisemitism.

“Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially, and thoroughly bankrupt,” he said.

“I was told time and again that my party was finished, consigned to history—that a majority, let alone a landslide, was impossible. But we proved them wrong by changing our party: ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust in the economy, defence, and national security, and standing proudly with our national flag.”

He added: “I want to thank the brilliant Number 10 staff and our country’s extraordinary Civil Service who dedicate their lives to public service.

“And when I leave the biggest job in the country, I will focus on the most important one: being the best husband to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side, and the best dad to my beautiful children, who are my pride and joy.”

Lord Katz  said: “Keir Starmer was true to his word: he promised to rip the poison of antisemitism out of the Labour Party, and he did just that. This will be to his eternal credit. He has consistently spoken out against anti-Jewish hatred and supported our community, not least in recent weeks and months. It’s a sad day.”

Starmer’s position became untenable following Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election last week.

Behind the scenes, Burnham had been seeking a return to Westminster to challenge Starmer’s authority at No.10.

For many supporters, Starmer’s success in ridding Labour of antisemitism is seen as one of his greatest achievements.

Paul Ovenden, Starmer’s former head of political strategy, said: “Keir took over the Labour Party in 2020 when it was infected with antisemitism and had just suffered its worst result in modern history. He was the only person who could have turned that around.”

In a statement the Jewish Labour Movement added: “We want to thank Sir Keir Starmer for what has delivered for our community as Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister.

“Keir Starmer became Leader of the Labour Party at its lowest point, inheriting from Jeremy Corbyn a Party that was institutionally antisemitic and unfit for government.

Today, our party has a clean bill of health on antisemitism, and that is thanks Keir Starmer’s dedication to rid our Party of that scourge. He was right to reflect on this in front of Downing Street – the Labour Party would not be in government without it.

“As the Labour Party begins a leadership contest, JLM will hold all candidates to account to ensure that they have the same dedication, such that we never find the Labour Party in that position again. We will use our rights and responsibilities as an affiliate of the Party to shape the future of Labour, and with it, the country.”

Attorney General Lord Hermer added: “I think what today is about is recognising the decent, dignified PM we still currently have.”

The Jewish KC added: “Recognising what he has achieved over the last two years which is an extraordinary amount, and as a governing party pulling together, because we have got three years in power. You have got to focus on delivery for the British people.”

Labour MP Luke Akehurst added: “History will probably be kinder to Keir Starmer than the opinion polls have been. He achieved what many said was impossible by taking Labour from a broken party, morally compromised by antisemitism and extremism, at the end of the Corbyn era, to a landslide win.”