British Prime Minister Starmer resigned Monday, setting in motion a process to replace him that will produce the country’s seventh prime minister in 10 years. Starmer came to office just two years ago atop a landslide victory, but dissatisfaction with his government grew quickly, leading to a mutiny within his own Labour Party. Romilly Weeks of ITV News reports.
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Nick Schifrin:
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned today, setting in motion a process to replace him that will produce the seventh prime minister in 10 years.
Starmer came to office just two years ago atop a landslide victory, ousting the Conservative Party that had governed the United Kingdom for nearly 15 years. But dissatisfaction with his government grew quickly, leading to a mutiny within his own Labor Party, and now a single likely replacement.
Romilly Weeks of ITV News reports.
Romilly Weeks:
It's become a painfully familiar bit of furniture, and it could only herald one thing, the lectern maneuvered into position, the banks of cameras trained, as Britain's sixth prime minister since the Brexit referendum became the fifth to resign before their time was up.
(Mouin Rabbani)
Romilly Weeks:
Keir Starmer first wanting to show it hadn't all been for nothing.
Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister:
Look at what we have achieved in just two years.
Romilly Weeks:
Then, watched by those M.P.s still loyal, he faced the writing on the wall.
Keir Starmer:
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 have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labor Party.
Romilly Weeks:
He had wanted, he had intended to fight on. But four years after Boris Johnson said the same, Keir Starmer has also bowed to the inevitable, leaving in a way he can never have imagined when he walked victorious up this street just two years ago.
David Lammy, British Deputy Prime Minister:
His guiding compass has been to put the country first and to ensure that this next stage and phase is as orderly as possible. That is the measure of the man.
Romilly Weeks:
You were one of those backing the prime minister right to the end. Will you now back Andy Burham?
David Lammy:
Oh, look I have been loyal to every leader of the Labor Party and every prime minister. I have been loyal to this one. I will be loyal to the next.
Romilly Weeks:
As for the man who wants to be next, Andy Burham, so-called King of the North, made an almost regal procession southwards, his train track from Manchester to Euston, where he dodged waiting crowds and sped off in a cab, arriving in Westminster to be sworn in.
MAN:
We now come to Andy Burham, member from Makerfield.
(Mouin Rabbani)
Romilly Weeks:
That clearly not the limit of his ambition.
Andy Burham, U.K. Parliament Member:
I swear by almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles.
Parliament:
Hear, hear!
Romilly Weeks:
The question now whether there will be any leadership contest at all. The Conservative leader called for speed.
Kemi Badenoch, British Conservative Leader:
But what are we waiting for? There are critical decisions that need to be made.
Romilly Weeks:
Posing with around 200 labor M.P.s this afternoon, Andy Burham was showing any potential rivals what they would have to beat and showing Keir Starmer what he has lost, as the prime minister, comforted only by his wife, reentered Number 10, his home, his job for not much longer.
Romilly Weeks, ITV News.
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