Andy Burnham. Photo: IMAGO/i Images
According to an official statement, Starmer submitted a request to be relieved of his duties as prime minister and first lord of the treasury, which the monarch granted, the AP reports.
The resignation brought to a close Starmer’s two-year tenure as head of the British government. He held the post for 2 years and 15 days. Among the prime ministers of the past decade, only Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss had shorter tenures; Truss’s premiership lasted a record-short 49 days. The longest tenure in British history remains that of Robert Walpole, who led the government for more than 20 years in the 18th century.
Shortly before meeting with the king, Starmer delivered a farewell address, confirming that he was stepping down as head of government. He announced that he was handing over leadership of the Labour Party to Andy Burnham and wished his successor success. According to Starmer, the United Kingdom is going through a difficult period in which political opponents are seeking to divide society, which is why the country particularly needs unity and a willingness to embrace change.
Andy Burnham, elected leader of the Labour Party on July 17, was tasked with forming a new government following an audience with King Charles III and officially took office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
