LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as leader of the Labour Party, triggering a leadership contest within the ruling party. He confirmed he will remain in office until a new leader is elected, setting the stage for Britain’s seventh prime minister in just 10 years.

Starmer’s decision comes after growing internal pressure within Labour, which intensified following Andy Burnham’s strong return to Parliament. His resignation comes less than two years after leading Labour to a landslide victory on a promise of political stability.

Under the UK system, the prime minister is the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons, meaning Labour’s next leader will automatically take the top job.

Starmer said he will ensure an orderly transition, with the leadership contest expected to conclude before Parliament’s autumn session in September.