"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," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, 63, said outside 10 Downing Street on 22/6.

Starmer stated that the process for selecting a new Labour Party leader will begin in july, and he will remain prime minister until his successor is chosen, with an expected inauguration in september.

The prime minister's resignation comes after less than two years in office. Starmer's tenure saw many abrupt policy changes and low public trust.

Starmer's resignation paves the way for the UK's seventh leader in the past 10 years.

uk prime minister keir starmer speaks outside 10 downing street on 22/6. Photo: ap.

Speculation about Starmer's decision had been circulating for weeks since his Labour Party suffered heavy losses in local elections in may.

Meanwhile, Starmer's most formidable internal rival, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, also a member of the Labour Party, gained a significant advantage by winning a by-election to become an MP, opening the door for him to contend for the party leadership.

UK media outlets had reported Starmer's impending resignation since 21/6. Even US President Donald Trump commented on the issue, stating that Starmer was stepping down due to "heavy failures" in immigration and energy policies.

The White House chief's move caused a stir, with many perceiving it as an unusual intervention in internal UK politics.

"There really is no boundary that this US president cannot cross", ITV presenter Robert Peston wrote on X.

By Ngoc Anh (AFP, Reuters, Washington Post)