Keir Starmer to step down as prime minister two years after historic election victory

Labour leader bows to mounting pressure after Andy Burnham’s success against Reform UK in Makerfield

Keir Starmer has announced he will stand down as prime minister after days of intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers, following the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster.

Less than two years after a historic election victory, Starmer had faced calls from his MPs to set out a timeline for his departure, with many of them spooked by the threat from Nigel Farage’s party ahead of the next general election.