Key events

Starmer praises acts of 'resolve, grit, decency and compassion' done by millions of Britons every day

Starmer says the most humbling aspect of the job has been the ability to see the greatest things the country can do.

The most humbling aspect of this job is the front row seat. You get to witness the greatest things of this country in action, to see every day immeasurable acts of resolve, grit, decency and compassion from people who serve our country, whether that’s in their regimental colours, NHS scrubs or simply the millions of people in their communities who volunteer their time and their effort to the ground beneath their feet.

We face a world now where our enemies will stop at nothing to divide us because of our values, our freedom, our decency, and frankly, because of our unflinching resolve towards the brave people of Ukraine.

And so, under this attack, it is vital that we remember the greatness of the Britain all around us; that while we debate how to fix our problems, there is something we inherit from our country and our character that can give us confidence that we can change our country for the better; that we can create a Britain where every child can go as far as their talent will take them, and we can unite different people under our common flag if we don’t succumb to that division.

Starmer says Britain is 'stronger and fairer than it was 2 years ago'

Starmer says:

I’m about to visit His Majesty the King to offer my resignation and close the book on my time as prime minister.

My work is done.

In six and a half years I took our party from a historic defeat in 2019, changed it so it was fit to face the country, and won a landslide general election victory in 2024.

Since then, it has been the privilege of my life to serve you and this great country as prime minister, and I am confident that Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago.

Our economy is stronger. Our public services are on the up, with the biggest fall in waiting times for 17 years.

Children are being lifted out of poverty every single day.

Immigration is down significantly.

Our defence and security are on a far stronger footing, and our international reputation is greatly enhanced.

Starmer starts by saying his work is done.

He says he is going to see the king to resign.

His work is done, he says.

Starmer gives final speech from Downing Street

Keir Starmer is starting his speech.

He begins with a “thank you”.

Ministers, officials and No 10 staff (on the left) and members of the media (on the right) waiting for Keir Starmer. Photograph: Temilade Adelaja/Reuters

Some of Keir Starmer’s leading supporters waiting to hear him speak, including David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Jenny Chapman, Steve Reed, Sadiq Khan, Darren Jones and Nick Thomas-Symonds.
Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Alexandra Topping is a Guardian political correspondent, in Downing Street this morning.

It’s pure theatre outside Downing Street. Journalists from all over the world jostling for space, tripping over each other’s expensive equipment and generally being disgruntled.

It was a bit of scrum getting through security. And there was a telling moment when the police shouted for guests to come forward to the start of the queue. Then as a group approached officers clarified that they were letting in “Mr Starmer’s” guests …

Rachel Reeves in Downing Street waiting to hear Keir Starmer’s final speech. Photograph: Victoria Jones/Shutterstock

Downing Street staff have come out now, getting ready to hear Keir Starmer’s speech.

No 10 staff in Downing Street Photograph: Sky News

James Timpson has resigned as prison minister, the BBC is reporting.

There were reports saying Andy Burnham was planning to tell ministers if they were not going to keep their jobs, giving them the chance to resign rather than be sacked. On Sky News, Beth Rigby is speculating that Burnham might want to give that job to Sally Jameson, the MP for Doncaster Central who is a former prison officer.

Timpson was a surprise appointment when he got the job in 2024. He had no background in Labour politics, but was a prominent liberal on penal policy, famous for running the family shoe company which employs a large number of ex-offenders.

Jenny Chapman, the development minister, is one of Keir Starmer’s most loyal allies. She was one of the small group of friends encouraging him to prepare a leadership bid even before the 2019 election.

Speaking on Sky News this morning, she said he was “reconciled” to leaving office. She said:

I think some of this is to do with his experience before coming into politics... and I think he has perspective in a way that those that have spent our lives, including me, in Westminster and in politics sometimes don’t.

This is a change of power in a country where we do this in a way that’s smooth, respectful, and that’s what you’re seeing today, and I think that he feels that helps him.

The No 10 “podium guy” is out, setting up the lectern.

Prime ministers come and go, even the monarch has changed in recent years, but Larry, the Downing Street cat, does provide some continuity. He has been there since 2011 and he has been on the prowl this morning.

Larry the Downing Street cat outside No 10 today. Photograph: Alberto Pezzali/AP