British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he will step down as leader of the governing Labour Party and leave office within weeks, ending a turbulent tenure that lasted less than two years.

Starmer said he would remain as caretaker prime minister until the Labour Party elects a new leader, with the transition expected to be completed before Parliament returns in September. The announcement came after increasing pressure from within his party amid falling popularity and growing concerns over Labour’s political fortunes.

Pressure within Labour intensifies

The resignation follows days of speculation over Starmer’s future after former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham emerged as a strong challenger within the party. Burnham’s recent victory in a special parliamentary election intensified calls for a leadership change and added to the pressure on Starmer to step aside.

Starmer led Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, bringing the party back to power after 14 years in opposition. However, his government’s popularity declined sharply over the past year as Labour struggled in opinion polls and local elections.

Emotional announcement outside Downing Street

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, an emotional Starmer said every major decision he had taken had been guided by what he believed was best for the country. He also said he now wanted to spend more time with his family while ensuring a smooth transfer of power.

His departure makes him the sixth British prime minister in the past decade to leave office before completing a full term, highlighting continued political instability in the United Kingdom.

The Labour Party is expected to begin the process of choosing its next leader in the coming weeks, with Andy Burnham widely seen as a leading contender.

A major fire broke out at a building housing a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday, triggering panic among students and local residents.There were fears that some students were trapped inside the premises, while some were seen jumping from the first floor in an attempt to escape the flames.

Fire department teams and rescue personnel rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the blaze. Multiple fire tenders were deployed to bring the fire under control, while rescue operations continued amid fears that more people could be trapped inside the building.

Rescue operation underway amid panic

Visuals from the scene showed thick smoke billowing out of the building as students and staff tried to flee. Eyewitnesses said several students jumped from the first floor to save themselves as the fire spread rapidly through the structure.

Firefighters later managed to bring the blaze under control after extensive efforts. Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the blaze, and an investigation is expected to be launched.

Senior administrative and police officials reached the site to supervise rescue efforts. More details are awaited as emergency teams continue search and evacuation operations.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday strongly reprimanded party workers after a section of the audience raised slogans in support of DK Shivakumar during a party programme in Bengaluru. Kharge also warned that disciplinary action could be taken against those responsible for disrupting the event.

The incident took place during the ‘Sankalpa Samavesha’ programme, where party leaders had gathered for an organisational event. According to reports, some workers repeatedly chanted “DK-DK” slogans, prompting Kharge to intervene and ask them to maintain discipline.

Visibly upset by the sloganeering, Kharge reminded workers that the gathering was meant for the party and not for promoting individual leaders.

“This is not an individual’s programme, it is a party programme,” Kharge said while stressing that Congress functions as an organisation rather than around personalities.

The veteran leader also expressed displeasure over the disruption, questioning why a few people should dominate proceedings when many others had attended the programme. Referring to his long political career, Kharge said the party had contributed significantly to the rise of many leaders and emphasised the need to uphold organisational discipline.

Warning the workers against similar behaviour in the future, Kharge said footage from the event would be examined and action would be taken if necessary.

“Discipline is always necessary for the party. Whoever is shouting here, there will be footage. I will take disciplinary action after reviewing the footage,” he said.

The episode once again highlighted the importance the Congress leadership places on party discipline during organisational events in Karnataka.