Keir Starmer announced his resignation on June 22, 2026. He stepped down as Labour leader and Prime Minister after roughly two years in office.

Starmer will stay as caretaker until a successor is chosen. The Labour Party will hold a leadership contest with nominations likely opening in early July. A new leader should be in place before Parliament returns in September.

The resignation follows internal party pressure, poor local election results, and voter concerns over issues like the economy and immigration.

Transition Focuses on Key Candidates. Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor, emerges as the frontrunner. He recently won a strong by-election victory in Makerfield and has gained key endorsements.

Other potential contenders include Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, Shabana Mahmood, and possibly Ed Miliband or David Lammy.

Candidates’ Positions on Immigration (Bulleted List):

• Andy Burnham: Supports further reductions in net migration. He backs tougher enforcement, faster returns for failed asylum claims, more detention use, and ripping up asylum hotel contracts. He emphasizes dealing with immigration to restore trust in politics while getting the “balance right.”

• Keir Starmer (outgoing): Pushed reforms to tighten visas, raise skill and English requirements, and extend the wait for settled status/citizenship to 10 years. He aimed to cut overall numbers significantly and end what he called a failed “open borders” approach.

• Other Potential Candidates (e.g., Streeting, Rayner, Mahmood): Generally align with Labour’s recent tightening but vary in tone. Some like Rayner have pushed back against overly harsh elements (e.g., long waits for status). Mahmood, as Home Secretary, has driven stricter policies. Emphasis remains on controlled, skilled migration and addressing public concerns.

The leadership race will likely center on who can best address voter priorities, including stronger border control, while maintaining Labour values. The transition could reshape the party’s direction ahead of future elections.