Starmer Bows Out as UK Prime Minister, Declares ‘I Go With a Smile’

Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has stepped down from office, declaring that he leaves government with confidence that the country is now “stronger and fairer” than when he assumed leadership.

Starmer departed 10 Downing Street on Monday before travelling to Buckingham Palace to formally tender his resignation to King Charles III, bringing his tenure as prime minister to an end.

Addressing reporters outside his official residence in central London, Starmer said he was proud of the work carried out during his time in office and expressed confidence in the direction of the country.

“I am confident that Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago,” he said.

The outgoing prime minister added that he was leaving office with a sense of fulfilment.

“I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved,” Starmer said.

His departure clears the path for Andy Burnham to take over as Britain’s next prime minister.

Starmer’s resignation marks the end of a two-year period at the helm of the British government, during which his administration focused on its policy agenda and efforts to reshape the country’s direction.

The formal resignation process at Buckingham Palace is a constitutional requirement, allowing the monarch to accept the outgoing prime minister’s resignation before inviting the incoming leader to form a government.

AFP