Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will resign as Labour leader, triggering a contest to replace him as party leader and prime minister. The move comes after a significant loss for the party in the recent local elections. In a statement, Starmer said he would be stepping down as leader and as an MP, paving the way for a new leader to be elected.
The Labour Party will now enter a contest phase, with several candidates expected to run for the top job. This will involve a series of votes among Labour members and MPs, with the winner being announced in the autumn or early winter. The new leader will then be in line to become the next prime minister, should Labour win a general election.
The news has been met with mixed reactions from within the party, with some MPs welcoming the change and others expressing concern about the timing. Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, has already announced she will run for the top job, while other potential candidates are also expected to throw their hat into the ring.
The contest is expected to be a crowded and competitive one, with several candidates vying for the support of Labour members and MPs. The winner will face significant challenges in the coming months, including a winter of discontent over the cost of living and a growing economy.
The Labour Party's decision to hold a contest for its leadership has been welcomed by some as a chance to refresh the party's image and attract new voters. However, others have expressed concern about the potential for infighting and division within the party.
As the contest gets underway, the focus will be on the policies and vision of each candidate, as well as their ability to lead the party to victory in a general election.