Sir Keir Starmer will remain an MP after stepping down as Prime Minister, No 10 has confirmed, avoiding a by-election in his central London constituency. Following his announcement to quit as Labour leader and PM, Starmer has asked Labour's governing body to set a timetable for his replacement, starting July 9 and concluding by the summer recess to ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.
Orderly Transition Underway
Starmer said he would do all he can to ensure an "orderly" transition of power. The Commons summer recess begins July 16. If Andy Burnham is unopposed, he could become PM in mid-July; if contested, the new PM will be in post by the end of August. Speculation that Starmer would step down as an MP was dismissed by his official spokesperson, who confirmed he will stay in place.
Cabinet and Defence Plans
At a cabinet meeting yesterday, Starmer told ministers: "This is the end of my journey, but it is not the end of yours." His spokesperson added that he wants the next Labour government to "succeed." Starmer continues with plans before leaving, including a defence investment plan to be published before the next NATO summit in two weeks, as confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Criticism of Conservatives
Responding to Tory MP Jack Rankin, Starmer said the Conservative government "failed" at its "first duty" by "hollowing out our armed forces." He noted: "We've already delivered the biggest sustained boost in defence spending since the 1980s. That's £270bn over this parliament. We will increase that with the defence investment plan, which will be published before the NATO summit."
