Starmer resigns

On the verge of tears outside Downing Street this morning, the Prime Minister said a new leader would be in place by September.

He declined to hand the keys to No 10 straight to Andy Burnham, the front-runner to replace him, instead saying his resignation would trigger a leadership race that would allow other MPs to stand.

Sir Keir will stay in power until the contest is complete to “ensure an orderly handover of power”.

His voice was notably shaky as he paid tribute to his wife and their children, saying: “When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.”

Sir Keir said entering Downing Street had been the “proudest moment of my life”, but added that he had accepted his time in office was over.

“The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us 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.

“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.”

Mr Burnham is on his way to Westminster to be sworn in as an MP after his decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election.

[Source: Daily Telegraph]