Starmer resigns as UK prime minister - The Latest
6/22/202614 min
Keir Starmer has announced he is standing down as prime minister after days of intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers, following Andy Burnham’s byelection victory in Makerfield. Wes Streeting has ruled himself out of the running, so will it be a coronation for the ‘king of the north’ or could another candidate emerge? Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
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First 90 secondsLucy Hough· Host0:00
This is The Guardian.
Peter Walker· Guest0:01
There was a world in which he could have clung on with a whole series of rolling cabinet resignations, you know, the kind of Boris Johnson way, but that's quite damaging for the party. That's quite damaging for the country.
Keir Starmer· Soundbite0:21
Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life.
Peter Walker· Guest0:27
That was the kind of subtext he wanted to get across. You lot are getting rid of me only two years after we won this massive general election win. One advantage for Burnham is he's likely to take over just as the Commons recess kicks off. I think he's going to be starting with a lot of goodwill from the parliamentary party or at worst, people willing to give him a chance. But to be fair, that was the position Keir Starmer was in, you know, a couple of years ago.
Lucy Hough· Host0:49
From The Guardians today in focus, this is The Latest with me, Lucy Hough. Well, the moment has finally happened after so much speculation. Keir Starmer, the lectern, was out early doors this morning outside Downing Street, and Keir Starmer announced his resignation, meaning we are now looking at the seventh prime minister in ten years. Peter Walker, you're The Guardian senior political correspondent, and you were at Downing Street early doors this morning.
Peter Walker· Guest1:16
I was.
Lucy Hough· Host1:16
Because we weren't sure when it was going to happen, but it did seem likely it was going to happen today. What was the atmosphere like?
Peter Walker· Guest1:22
So I went down to Downing Street- Yeah ... and it was already packed. I mean, it's a usual thing.
Lucy Hough· Host1:26
Wow.
Peter Walker· Guest1:26
You have the stills photographers with all their stepladders.