Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he will resign as leader of the Labour Party, paving the way for a new prime minister to take office before Parliament reconvenes in September.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on Monday morning, Starmer said he had accepted his party’s verdict on his leadership and would step aside after concluding that he was no longer the best person to lead Labour into the next general election.

“The question my party has been asking is whether I am best placed to lead it into the next general election,” Starmer said.

“I have heard the answer to that question and accept that answer with good grace.”

He stressed that every decision he had taken while in office had been guided by what he believed was best for Britain.

Starmer revealed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision during a phone conversation earlier in the day.

The King was at Highgrove House, his private estate in Gloucestershire, when the call took place.

The outgoing Labour leader said he had asked the party’s National Executive Committee to establish a timetable for the leadership contest, with nominations scheduled to open on July 9 and the process expected to conclude before Parliament’s summer recess.

…… Rival Andy Burnham Sworn In as new PM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced he will resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, bowing to intense internal pressure following a string of poor election results and a direct challenge from within his own party.

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his decision was made with the national interest in mind. “Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first,” he told reporters, confirming he had informed King Charles III of his intention to step down.

The announcement comes on the same day that prominent Labour figure Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester and a leading rival to Starmer, is being sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for Makerfield following a decisive victory in a recent by-election.

Burnham, often dubbed the “King of the North,” is widely viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Starmer. His entry into Parliament clears the path for a potential leadership contest, with expectations of a relatively smooth transition within the Labour Party. Senior government figures have indicated that Starmer is expected to outline a timetable for his departure.

The move marks another period of political instability in the UK, with Starmer becoming the latest in a string of prime ministers in recent years. His premiership, which began after Labour’s landslide victory in 2024, has faced mounting criticism over economic challenges, policy setbacks, and disappointing results in local and by-elections.

Labour insiders hope for a swift resolution to avoid prolonged uncertainty. Burnham has not yet formally declared his candidacy but is seen as a strong unifying figure with broad appeal, particularly in northern England.

Opposition parties have called for stability, while markets are expected to monitor developments closely for any impact on the pound and investor confidence.

Further details on the leadership transition process are anticipated in the coming days.

The US Government through the State Department will offer a “premium” expedited service for foreigners seeking business or tourist visas to come to the United States that will set applicants back $750, including the initial fee of $185, it was learnt.

In a notice to be published in the Federal Register, the department said it will unveil a pilot programme that will allow visa applicants to pay the $750 to schedule an appointment for an interview within 10 days of the payment at select US embassies and consulates.

The pilot programme will run from July 1 to December 31, according to internal documents obtained by The Associated Press and a State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the programme has not yet been announced.

According to the report, the move is a potential effort to ease conditions caused by the Trump administration’s push to make entering the US more difficult.

The offer includes expedited interview options for B1 and B2 visa applicants. B1 and B2 visas are commonly used by international travelers visiting the U.S. for business or tourism.