Sir Keir Starmer used his resignation speech outside Downing Street to reflect on the state of Labour when he first took charge, saying he inherited a party that was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt”.

The outgoing Prime Minister said critics repeatedly warned him the party was beyond saving, recalling how he was told “time and time again” that Labour was “finished”.

However, he insisted he had “proved those people wrong”.

Starmer pointed to a series of reforms he introduced during his leadership, including what he described as “ripping out the poison of anti-Semitism” from the party.

He also claimed to have rebuilt Labour’s credibility by “restoring trust on the economy, defence and national security.”

Sir Keir Starmer has asked Labour’s governing body to set out a timetable to replace him, beginning on July 9, and ending by the summer recess to ‘ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September’.

Sir Keir Starmer said:

Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life, a new Labour Government, the first in 14 years, a page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair.

The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better. That’s what I came into politics for.

Sir Keir Starmer said he will resign as leader of the Labour Party and he has informed the King of his decision.

Sir Keir Starmer is set to resign from the same lectern as Rishi Sunak.

The Prime Minister is expected to appear in Downing Street in the next few minutes.