Why do the UK’s prime ministers keep resigning?

Why do the UK’s prime ministers keep resigning? Keir Starmer is the latest to step down, after less than two years in office. From a landslide victory in 2024 to a remarkable downfall this week. Keir Starmer is quitting. He’s the sixth British prime minister to step down in the last decade. Recommended Stories list of 3 items- list 1 of 3Why has Keir Starmer resigned as UK prime minister? - list 2 of 3‘Another day, another leader’: Britons react to Keir Starmer’s exit - list 3 of 3After a decade, Brexit’s cost to Britain is not only economic His resignation came one day before the anniversary of the vote to leave the European Union. Many say Brexit has been one of the main drivers behind the leadership crisis. Others point to increasing public discontent over successive governments. Starmer’s departure will set in motion a contest to replace him as head of the Labour Party and PM. But will his replacement be able to succeed where so many other prime ministers have failed? Presenter: Imran Khan Guests - Jennifer Nadel, Co-founder of the cross-party think-tank Compassion in Politics - Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London - Zaid M Belbagi, Managing Partner at Hardcastle Advisory Published On 23 Jun 2026