Outgoing British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, on Monday announced that nominations for the emergence of his successor will commence in July, with a new UK leader expected to emerge before Parliament returns from recess in September.

In an emotional broadcast on Monday, Mr Starmer, who has been under intense pressure to resign, said, “I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening on 9 July and completed by the summer recess.”

“In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September,” Mr Starmer said.

The outgoing British Prime Minister said he would remain in office until his party completes the process of choosing his successor, adding that he would support whoever emerges as his successor.

“I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete. And I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” the outgoing prime minister said.

He added, “I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead, and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office.”

The outgoing prime minister resigned amid an internal party crisis and demands that he step aside, barely two years after he assumed leadership of the country.

Mr Starmer, who led the Labour Party to a landslide electoral victory in 2024, has seen his popularity plummet in recent months as he faced intense public criticism for appointing Lord Mandelson as the British ambassador to the U.S. despite intelligence reports exposing his past ties to disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, child rape by grooming gangs, the UK immigration crisis, among other issues.

While over 100 Labour Party members of Parliament are pushing for Mr Starmer’s ouster, the emergence of his arch-rival, Andy Burnham, as the winner of the June 19, 2026, Makerfield by-election is another major threat to his leadership of the party.

Mr Burnham was sworn in as a member of Parliament on Monday. After he was sworn in, Mr Burnham said, “Keir has given huge service to our country, and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period. His decision marks the beginning of a transition, and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.”