British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has announced he’s stepping down as leader of the governing Labour Party, two years after leading the party to a landslide general election win.

He will remain caretaker prime minister until the party chooses a new Labour leader.

Starmer is the sixth prime minister in a decade to announce a premature departure. He follows Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Theresa May and David Cameron.

Starmer made the announcement after facing growing pressure to hand over to a new leader who can try to revive the government’s flagging fortunes.

Outgoing British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.

Former Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham who won a seat in parliament last week, has confirmed he’ll stand to replace Starmer. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting says he’ll back Burnham’s bid.

Streeting, who quit Starmer’s government last month, had previously said he would stand in any leadership contest.

The formal contest to replace Starmer will begin in early July.

Starmer says nominations will open on July 9 and close when Parliament breaks for its summer recess, set to begin July 16.