British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as head of government and leader of the Labour Party, the BBC reports.

"Every decision I've made has been driven by a desire to put the country I love first. That's why I'm resigning," his press service quoted him as saying.

According to Starmer, the nomination process for Labour leader candidates will begin on July 9 and will be completed before the summer parliamentary recess. This will allow the new party leader to assume his or her duties before Parliament returns in September.

Starmer emphasized his intention to remain prime minister until the election of a new leader is completed, thereby ensuring an orderly transition of power. He also expressed his readiness to provide his successor with his full support.