Starmer resigns as UK prime minister

Keir Starmer has announced he will resign as UK prime minister and leader of the Labour Party.

Starmer said he would stay on as caretaker prime minister until Labour chooses a new leader in the coming weeks.

His resignation opens the way for Britain to get its seventh prime minister in just over a decade.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is seen as the frontrunner to replace him after winning a special parliamentary election last week.

The Labour leadership race is expected to focus on the party’s direction and Britain’s relationship with the European Union.

Starmer will remain at 10 Downing Street during the contest.