Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, secured an overwhelming victory against Conservative opponent Rishi Sunak in 2024, bringing the Labour Party back to power after over a decade. He entered 10 Downing Street with hopes of bringing stability to British politics but had to resign before completing two years in office.

In an announcement on 22/6, Prime Minister Starmer admitted he no longer had the necessary support from Labour Members of Parliament to lead the party into the next general election. Starmer's decision paves the way for the UK's seventh prime minister in 10 years.

"Prime Minister Starmer was elected on a promise to steer British politics away from prolonged disputes and volatility," Rob Ford, a professor of political science at the University of Manchester, told AP. "However, his government later became the opposite of that commitment, and it is difficult for a leader to maintain their position in such circumstances."

UK prime minister Keir Starmer speaking outside 10 Downing Street on 22/6. *AFP*

After years of stagnant growth under the Conservative government, British voters expected Labour to quickly improve people's lives. However, in his first speech as prime minister, Starmer warned that "things might get worse before they get better".

Christian Edward, a CNN writer, deemed this message realistic but unsuitable for voters expecting rapid change after the 2024 election.

Difficulties grew as the Labour Party had limited its policy scope even before taking power. During the election campaign, Starmer pledged not to raise taxes to avoid being associated with the image of a "tax-raising party". Budgetary pressures forced London to choose controversial measures, such as cutting subsidies, which met with strong reactions from the public and within the party.

Additionally, immigration policy became a contentious point. Faced with the rise of the right-wing Reform UK party, Labour shifted its stance towards a tougher approach to retain working-class voters. However, this strategy proved ineffective. Reform UK continued to gain influence, while a segment of Labour's progressive voters moved to support smaller parties.

Dissatisfaction gradually became evident in public opinion surveys. After a brief period of leading in the polls, Labour's approval ratings steadily declined. By 2025, Reform UK began to surpass Labour in many national surveys.

Prime Minister Starmer's government also faced continuous controversies related to receiving high-value gifts, including concert tickets and presents from businesses.

While these incidents did not lead to severe legal repercussions, they eroded the image of a transparent and principled government that Labour had built during its election campaign.

The most serious crisis during Starmer's tenure stemmed from the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US in late 2024.

As one of Labour's most influential figures, Mandelson was expected to help London maintain relations with President Donald Trump's administration. However, this decision quickly became a political burden for the UK prime minister.

In september 2025, leaked emails revealed that Mandelson had remained in contact with Jeffrey Epstein after the American pedophile billionaire was convicted in 2008. Documents released earlier this year further fueled controversy over their relationship.

Public pressure forced the British government to dismiss Mandelson. The Prime Minister's Office had to repeatedly explain the situation. Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney ultimately took responsibility and resigned.

Approval ratings for Prime Minister Keir Starmer compared to his predecessors during their time in office. *Telegraph Graphics*

Difficulties continued to mount for Prime Minister Starmer in 2026, as the Labour Party began to suffer electoral defeats.

The party unexpectedly lost to the Green Party in february in a by-election to choose a Member of Parliament representing the Gorton and Denton area in the House of Commons. This was a constituency where Labour had won overwhelmingly in the previous general election.

The result was seen as a serious warning sign of a shift in voter sentiment. Not only did Labour lose a formerly safe seat, but it also witnessed the Reform UK party and the Green Party increase their influence.

The local elections held in may were considered the "last straw" for Starmer's government.

Labour lost over 1,400 seats on local councils across England and lost control of the Welsh parliament, where Labour had been the largest political party for decades. The right-wing Reform UK party and the left-populist Green Party both gained further advantages.

These results led to open criticism within the Labour Party. Over 90 Members of Parliament reportedly demanded Starmer's resignation. Some senior government officials also expressed concerns about Labour's chances of winning the next general election.

As Prime Minister Starmer's position weakened, Andy Burnham gradually emerged as a preferred alternative among many Labour MPs. Burnham served as Mayor of Greater Manchester for nearly 10 years, building an image as a politician capable of connecting with the working class and voters in traditional industrial areas.

Burnham has long been seen as a potential contender for the Labour leadership. He recently resigned as mayor and won overwhelmingly in a by-election, becoming the Member of Parliament representing the Makerfield constituency, an area where the Reform UK party had recently increased its influence.

The Makerfield result was viewed by many Members of Parliament as evidence that Burnham could win back the working-class voters Labour was losing.

Following Burnham's victory, discussions about the future of Labour's leadership became increasingly public. Initially, Prime Minister Starmer stated he was ready to face any challenge to his leadership. However, as pressure from Members of Parliament and the cabinet continued to mount, he decided to step down.

"Every decision I have made has been to put the interests of the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party," Prime Minister Starmer, 63, stated on 22/6.

Prime Minister Starmer said he would continue in an interim role until the Labour Party chooses a new leader.

"I believe my successor will inherit a stronger and fairer Britain than the country I took on two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead and better able to help the Labour Party win a second term," Starmer said.

Nhu Tam (According to Sky News, CNN, AP)