UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has officially announced his resignation. Speaking in Downing Street Starmer said he accepted he was not best placed to lead Labour into the next general election and he had informed the King of his decision to step down. He added he has asked Labour’s governing body to set out a timetable to replace him, with nominations opening on 9 July and ending by the summer recess on 16 July. He said if there was a contest then a new leader would be in place before Parliament returns in September, and he will “do everything” he can to ensure an “orderly” transition of power and he would remain as prime minister until the leadership contest is complete. Starmer’s hand was forced by the victory of former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham in last week’s by-election