Keir Starmer announces his resignation as UK Prime Minister

Starmer says after leaving the "biggest job in the country" he 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," he says, fighting back the emotion of the moment.

"And being the best dad that I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and joy," he concludes.

He hugs his wife before heading back inside No 10.

Keir Starmer says he will do everything he can to ensure an orderly handover of power, and will give his successor his full support.

They know, he continues, that they are inheriting a Britain that is stronger and fairer than two years ago.

Starmer then thanks his friends and colleagues who have been by his side for six years, as well as the No 10 staff and the "extraordinary civil service".

Starmer says he spoke to the King this morning to inform him of his decision to resign.

He has asked the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening for the leadership on 9 July, and completed by the summer recess.

This will mean a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September.

Until then he will remain in post as prime minister, he says.

Source: BBC