Sir Keir Starmer has stepped down as Prime Minister a month after the local MP called for him to set out a 'considered' timetable for his departure.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he had accepted that Labour members no longer believed he was the best person to lead the party into the next General Election when he announced his resignation at 9.35 am (Monday).

The resignation follows months of declining popularity, poor election results, and growing pressure from Labour MPs.

Congleton MP, Sarah Russell, whose constituency includes Sandbach and Alsager, had called on Sir Keir Starmer to "set out a considered timetable for his departure".

She said a month ago that she lacked faith in the Prime Minister's ability to deliver the scale and pace of change that the public are looking for.

Sarah Russell MP she said a month ago that she lacked faith in the Prime Minister's ability to deliver the scale and pace of change that the public are looking for. (Photo: Sarah Russell MP)

Sarah Russell added that mistakes had been made and "we needed a new leader capable of uniting the country against those on the far left and far right, that only offer unrealistic answers or division".

She said then: "The Prime Minister has led the country with deftness and dedication through a period of profoundly difficult and dangerous international relations.

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"I am mindful that after multiple prime ministers in recent years we need stability in government. I know that people across Congleton constituency want their MP to focus on the cost of living, improving public services, and supporting our businesses and our community, not internal party politics.

"But mistakes have been made. Fundamentally, I lack faith in the Prime Minister's ability to deliver the scale and pace of change that the public are looking for. The cost of not acting now, would be to the huge detriment of the country.

"I also believe that it is the first duty of government to keep citizens safe. Much of the work I have done in law, housing and politics has been about increasing people's personal safety – and especially the safety of women and children.

"Given the serious concerns raised by the now former Minister for Safeguarding Jess Philips in her resignation letter, and my own disappointment with the government's progress on curbing violence against women and children, I believe the Prime Minister should set out a considered timetable for his departure."

Sir Keir said entering Downing Street following Labour's General Election victory in July 2024 was "the proudest moment of his life".

Starmer will remain in office until a new Labour leader is elected.