Andy Burnham takes another step closer to Downing Street after Sir Keir Starmer announces he is quitting as Labour's leader
Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will resign as Prime Minister less than two years after coming to power.
And the move now makes it even more likely that newly elected Makerfield MP Andy Burnham will take his place.
In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, Sir Keir said his party had asked “whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election”.
He said: “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.”
Sir Keir’s emotional statement followed a weekend spent mulling his future with his family at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country residence.
While his decision remained unclear early on Monday, ministerial allies and Number 10 staff gathered in Downing Street shortly before 9.30am in an indication Sir Keir was preparing to announce his resignation.
Sir Keir’s decision to stand down means Labour will now hold a contest to choose his successor, with Andy Burnham seen as the frontrunner.
The former Greater Manchester mayor is expected to arrive in Westminster to be sworn in as an MP on Monday afternoon after winning the Makerfield by-election in the early hours of Friday.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting is also expected to put himself forward as a candidate.
Sir Keir said he will spend more time being the “best husband” and “best dad” after his resignation.
He said: “I want to thank the brilliant Number 10 staff and our country’s extraordinary Civil Service who dedicate their lives to public service.
“And when I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.”
Sir Keir appeared to be getting emotional as he thanked his wife Victoria for her support at the end of his speech.
They both stood before No 10 before going back in, again to loud applause and cheers for Sir Keir’s team gathered outside.