London ¨C Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday he would quit, paving the way for what is expected to be an orderly transfer of power to front-runner Andy Burnham, who could soon become Britain¡¯s seventh leader in 10 years.

In an emotional speech, Starmer said he had listened to his governing Labour Party and realized that he was no longer the man who should lead it into ?a national election due in 2029. His announcement, made on the steps of his Downing Street office and London residence, could trigger another leadership contest or, for many ?in ?the party, lead to the preferred option of a seamless coronation of former Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham. Burnham, a 56-year-old career politician, ?was quick to say on X he would put himself forward in any leadership contest, receiving the support of former health minister Wes Streeting, who had been seen as a potential rival in any race.

By installing Britain¡¯s seventh prime minister since the Brexit vote to leave the European Union 10 years ago, the ?Labour government is the latest to fall foul of voter anger over politicians¡¯ failure to deliver on their promises of change. Starmer said he would ask the Labour Party¡¯s organizing committee to set ?out a timeline for a leadership contest to find his replacement. Nominations would open on July 9, close by mid-July, and if there is a contest, a new leader will be in place by September. A coronation could mean a new leader would enter office by mid-July.

¡°The question my ?party is asking now is whether I am best placed to ?lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer from my parliamentary party to that question and I accept that answer with good grace,¡± he said.

After describing the achievements his government had secured in his two years of ?power, a man who was often ?criticized for being robotic, became visibly emotional, his voice cracking when he thanked his family for their support.

¡°When I ?leave the biggest job in the country I will spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can ?to my fantastic wife ?Vic who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children who are my pride and my joy.¡±

Starmer spent the weekend with his wife, Victoria, at his country residence to consider his future. With support draining away, he realized the political reality of his position. The threat to Starmer, which had been building for months, increased sharply on ?Friday when Burnham decisively won a parliamentary election to return to Westminster, beating a...