'Another day, another leader': Londoners react to Starmer's resignation

Published on 22/06/2026 - 18:14 GMT+2

Londoners voiced mixed reactions on Monday after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation, triggering a leadership contest within the governing Labour Party.

Some residents said they doubted a change of leader would make much difference to their daily lives. Others expressed frustration with the country's economic situation and a feeling that promised improvements had failed to materialise.

Lawyer Alan Collins described the resignation as "good news for the country", arguing that Britain faces major challenges that require stronger leadership. At the same time, he warned that frequent changes of prime minister could create further instability.

Medical student Phoebe Plugge-Porter said many people wanted change and felt disappointed by Labour's record since taking office. She also expressed concern about the growing popularity of Reform UK, adding that she believed former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham would be the strongest candidate to challenge the party.

Starmer announced he would step down as Labour leader while remaining caretaker prime minister until a successor is chosen, paving the way for Britain to have its seventh prime minister in just over a decade.

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Additional sources • AFP, AP