Starmer Says He 'Saved' Labour As He Bows Out Of Downing Street

Starmer Breaks Silence After Resignation

Sir Keir Starmer has defended his record in office, insisted he "saved" the Labour Party, and warned his likely successor not to underestimate the growing demands of an increasingly dangerous world.

In his first interview since announcing his resignation, the outgoing prime minister described his decision to quit as "intensely personal" and admitted accepting that his political career was over had been one of the hardest choices of his life.

Speaking to the BBC, Starmer said the decision was made only after spending two days with his wife Victoria and their teenage children at the prime minister's country residence, where they discussed what was best for both his family and the country.

"I grappled with what was the best thing to do for me, for the country, for the government," he said, adding that while he had consulted colleagues, advisers and trade unions, the final decision rested with his family.

Warning For Andy Burnham

Although careful not to formally anoint Andy Burnham as his successor, Starmer acknowledged the former Greater Manchester mayor was the overwhelming favourite to take over after his victory in the Makerfield by-election.

He rejected suggestions that a new prime minister could spend significantly less time dealing with international affairs than he had.

Starmer has frequently been criticised by opponents for focusing on diplomacy and overseas crises at the expense of domestic issues, earning the nickname "Never Here Keir." Supporters of Burnham have argued a new leader should prioritise Britain's cost-of-living crisis and struggling public services.

But Starmer insisted the two could not be separated.

"We're in a more dangerous and volatile world than we've been in for probably most of my lifetime," he said. "That's not just a phrase, that's reality."

He argued whoever enters Downing Street next would inherit exactly the same global security challenges, making foreign policy an unavoidable part of the job.

'My Political Career Is Over'

The former prime minister revealed he had long resisted calls to stand aside, repeatedly insisting he intended to fight on despite growing unrest among Labour MPs.

However, following Burnham's victory in Makerfield, he changed course within days.

Starmer described reaching the conclusion with his family during a weekend away at Chequers.

"Taking the decision that your political career is over is an intensely personal matter," he said.

Despite leaving Downing Street, he confirmed he intends to remain a Labour MP until at least the next general election and promised not to become a back-seat critic of his successor.

"I'll be keeping my mouth shut," he said, adding that he wanted the next Labour government to succeed.

Defending His Legacy

Starmer argued his greatest achievement came before entering Downing Street, claiming he rescued Labour after its crushing election defeat.

He described the party he inherited as "politically, financially and morally bankrupt" and said rebuilding it had been "hard and bloody work."

He went further, placing his electoral success alongside the achievements of former Labour prime ministers Clement Attlee and Tony Blair.

"The Labour Party arguably could have been lost," Starmer said. "But I stepped up as leader and with others we saved the Labour Party."

He acknowledged, however, that his premiership ultimately ended because enough Labour MPs no longer believed he was the right person to lead the party into the next general election, bringing an abrupt end to his time in Downing Street after just two years in office.

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Sir Keir attended Reigate, same as Fatboy Slim aka Normie Cook.

Mr Starmer might now pursue a new career in electronic dance music?

I say just go for it, Sir.