Sir Kier Starmer is set to resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, following the Makerfield by election result, in which Labour's Andy Burnham received 55 per cent of the vote.
He will remain as leader until a new labour leader is chosen, with nominations to be announced in two weeks. It is expected that Andy Burnham, who returns to the House of Commons following the by-election victory, will be chosen.
In a statement outside No.10, Starmer said
"The question being asked now is not who was best placed to change the Labour party, to take us into power and to begin the vital work of improving lives for millions of people. Those questions have been answered.
"The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.
"I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.
"Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour party.
"I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision."
“Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially and morally bankrupt. I was told, time and time again, that my party was finished.
“That we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible. But we proved those people wrong because we changed our party.
“Ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence, and national security.
“And becoming a party that, once again, stood proudly with, not against, our national flag. The hard work of change was with a singular purpose. Not power for power’s sake but to change Britain for the better.
“To build a fairer country, with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen, everyone is valued. Wealth and opportunity for all, not just the privileged few. And look at what we’ve achieved in just two years.
“An economy that is stronger, growing faster than our peers. Wages rising faster than inflation in every single month since we came to power. Investment secured, infrastructure being built. An end to austerity, with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years.
“The biggest improvement in rights for workers and renters in a generation. The biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War. Small boat crossings falling, asylum hotels closing, protecting young people from social media, and half a million children being lifted out of poverty because of the choices that I made.
“Our reputation in the world restored, with Britain once again standing up for decency, respect and the rule of law. Securing trade dues, standing with Ukraine, standing up for our values, and rebuilding our relationship with our allies in Europe.
“Change promised by a Labour government. Change fought for by a Labour government, change delivered by a Labour government.
Picture by Simon Dawson/ No 10 Downing Street
