What happens next after Keir Starmer resigns as prime minister

He stepped down from his role this morning

The announcement was made this morning (Monday 22 June) with Starmer addressing the nation from outside No 10.

It comes following reports before and over the weekend that Starmer would be considering his future ahead of today.

Speaking outside No 10, the PM listed off all that his party had done during his time as its leader, before confirming he would be stepping down.

What happens now?

When a PM announces they are stepping down, they must travel to see the monarch to make the decision officially - this is usually done at Buckingham Palace.

It has been confirmed by the BBC that Starmer spoke to the King this morning before making his speech.

At this point, Starmer will make his resignation official, however, this doesn't mean he will immediately disappear.

Often, an outgoing PM will assume the role as a 'caretaker' but in a limited capacity, avoiding major policy decisions and focussing only on essential government business.

Starmer will remain in this role until a replacement is chosen by the party.

In the case of Boris Johnson, it took a number of months before he was officially replaced by Rishi Sunak.

As per The Times, Andy Burnham is looking to be prime minister by September this year - although may have to win a leadership content first.

In his speech, Starmer said that nomination for a new leader would open and that a leadership contest will be triggered if multiple names are put forward.

This would allow Keir Starmer a couple of months to complete a steady transfer of power to his successor.

This is fairly standard practice, with Boris Johnson a good example after he announced he would be resigning in July 2022, but only left his position in September of that year.

Once a replacement has been chosen, Starmer will no longer be in charge, although will, of course, remain MP for Holborn and St Pancras - unless he also choses to leave that role too.

There will not be a general election.