Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as British Prime Minister, less than two years since he led the Labour party to a General Election victory.
The 63 year old has struggled in the opinion polls ever since he walked through the doors of No 10 Downing Street, implementing a series of unpopular policies.
Winter fuel payments to the elderly were cut, an inheritance tax for farmers was announced and a hike in National Insurance payments for employers was implemented.
However, historians will likely conclude that his most avoidable error was the appointment of Peter Mandelson as British Ambassador to Washington, a man whose links to the notrious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking outside Downing Street, Mr Starmer said he had spoken to Britain’s King Charles and was resigning the Premiership.
He continued that having spoken to colleagues, he concluded that he was not the best person to lead the Labour Party into the next General Election and that he "accepts that answer with good grace".
A Labour leadership election will begin in July, allowing a new leader and Prime Minister to be in place by the party conference in September.
"I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead and better able to ensure the Labour party secures a second term in office," he promised.
Mr Starmer also spoke of what he considers the achievements of his time in office, following "years of disappointment and despair" under the Conservatives.
"An economy that is stronger, going faster than our peers, wages rising faster than inflation in every single month since we came to power," he said.
"Investment secured, infrastructure being built, an end to austerity with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years, the biggest improvement in rights for workers and renters in a generation. The biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War.
"Change promised by a Labour Government. Change fought for by a Labour Government. Change delivered by a Labour Government."
More follows…
Main image: Keir Starmer outside 10 Downing Street in London. Picture by: ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy
