Goa, June 22 -- The race to become the United Kingdom's next prime minister is underway after Keir Starmer resigned as Labour leader and prime minister, triggering a leadership contest within the governing party.Starmer's departure follows mounting political pressure and growing dissatisfaction among sections of Labour's parliamentary party. While he will continue in a caretaker role until a successor is elected, attention has quickly shifted to the candidates who could take over at 10 Downing Street.Under Labour Party rules, any leadership hopeful must first secure the backing of at least 20 per cent of Labour MPs in the House of Commons.

Once nominations close, the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) will determine the timetable...