Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation from Downing Street, triggering a wave of reactions from opposition leaders across the political spectrum. The responses ranged from Nigel Farage's triumphant claim of credit to Kemi Badenoch's blistering critique of Starmer's record, while Ed Davey called for an end to the "merry-go-round" of prime ministers.
Nigel Farage: 'I deposed Starmer' and demands general election
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage took to his Substack platform to claim responsibility for Starmer's downfall, writing: "Starmer isn't the first Prime Minister I've deposed, and he won't be the last. David Cameron. Theresa May. Rishi Sunak." Farage immediately questioned the legitimacy of Andy Burnham, the expected successor, who was not in Parliament during the last election. He called for a general election, stating: "I happen to believe that a mandate from the British people matters. I've had enough of waiting around. Britain needs change – real change, not another washed-up has-been shoved into place by the uniparty."
Kemi Badenoch: 'The problem isn't just Starmer'
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch posted a list of Starmer's alleged failings on X, including "Hiking national insurance, The Family Farm Tax, giving up on real welfare reform, not funding our defence, not drilling our own oil and gas, appointing Peter Mandelson… then lying about what had happened." She argued that the problem extends beyond Starmer, saying: "Labour MPs only want higher taxes to hand out more benefits, as the Welfare Secretary has pointed out. These are Labour's choices and their values, regardless of who is running the party."
Ed Davey: 'End the merry-go-round' of prime ministers
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey expressed sorrow and called for systemic change: "The British people are sick of being let down by an endless merry-go-round of Prime Ministers while nothing really changes for them. This time must be different. It can't just be about changing who's in Number 10, it has to be about changing our broken politics so we can fix our country."
Zack Polanski: 'Farewell Starmer, gauntlet laid down to Burnham'
Green Party leader Zack Polanski attacked Starmer while targeting his successor: "Starmer lost the confidence of the country because of his abject failure to challenge the power and wealth of an establishment which has taken for themselves while leaving the vast majority in a cost of living crisis." He added, "We are still waiting to see which version of Andy Burnham is going to show up in Downing Street. The time for half measures and sticking plasters is long gone – Burnham must be bold or he will be bust."
Other leaders: Sympathy and conspiracy
SNP First Minister John Swinney struck a more personal tone: "On a personal level, I wish Keir Starmer and his family well. Leadership places extraordinary demands on those who serve, and on the families who support them." He reiterated that Scotland's solution to Westminster chaos is independence. Sinn Féin leader Michelle O'Neill echoed this, writing: "His departure underscores the chaos of Westminster and how our future is better served by breaking our links with Britain." Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth demanded a new relationship with Wales, focusing on "greater powers, fair funding and respect for our mandate." On the far-right, Restore party leader Rupert Lowe accused Starmer of "deliberately and rapidly accelerating the destruction of Britain," adding, "I do not believe him to be a good man or a patriot."
