Keir Starmer announces resignation as UK prime minister (full speech)

[0:26] Thank you. Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life. A new [0:40] Labour government, the first in 14 years. A page in our country's history turned after years of [0:48] disappointment and despair. The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better. [0:56] That's what I came into politics for. The journey to that point was not easy. Six years ago, [1:05] I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially and morally bankrupt. I was told [1:15] time and time again that my party was finished, that we were consigned to history, that a majority [1:24] at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible. But we proved those [1:32] people wrong because we changed our party, ripping out the poison of anti-Semitism, [1:40] restoring trust on the economy, defence and national security and becoming a party that once again [1:48] stood proudly with, not against, our national flag. The hard work of change was with a singular purpose, [1:57] purpose. Not power for power's sake, but to change Britain for the better. To build a fairer country, [2:07] with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen, everyone is valued. Wealth and opportunity for all, [2:18] not just the privileged crew. And look at what we have achieved in just two years. An economy that is [2:30] stronger, growing faster than our peers. Wages rising faster than inflation in every single month [2:38] since we came to power. Investments secured. Infrastructure being built. An end to austerity, [2:47] with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years. The biggest improvement in rights for workers [2:55] and renters and renters in a generation. The biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War. Small boat [3:03] crossings falling. Asylum hotels closing. Protecting young people from social media. And half a million [3:12] children being lifted out of poverty because of the choices that I made. Our reputation in the world [3:21] was restored. With Britain once again standing up for decency, respect and the rule of law. Securing [3:30] trade deals. Standing with Ukraine. Standing up for our values. And rebuilding our relationship with our [3:37] allies in Europe. Change promised by a Labour government. Change fought for by a Labour government. [3:46] Change delivered by a Labour government. But I know the question being asked now [3:56] is not who was best placed to change the Labour Party, to take us into power and to begin the vital [4:03] work of improving lives for millions of people. Those questions have been answered. The question my [4:12] party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard [4:22] the answer of my parliamentary party to that question and I accept that answer with good grace. [4:33] Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will [4:41] resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him [4:49] of my decision. I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable [4:56] with nominations opening on the 9th of July and completed by the summer recess. In the case of a [5:03] contest this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September. I will remain in [5:12] post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly [5:20] handover of power. I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support knowing that they [5:29] will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, [5:35] better prepared for the challenges ahead and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term [5:42] in office. I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these [5:50] past six years or so for their incredible commitment, service and support. I want to thank the brilliant [5:59] number 10 staff and our country's extraordinary civil service who dedicate their lives to public service [6:07] and when I leave the biggest job in the country I shall spend more time on the most important job. [6:16] Being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife Fig who has been a rock by my side through good times [6:24] and bad and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children who are my pride and my joy. Thank you very much.