London, June 22 -- After announcing that he will step down as leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer has paved a way for a leadership contest that is set to begin on July 9.
Speaking at Downing Street, Starmer said he has asked the party's National Executive Committee to establish a timetable for the election process. Nominations will open on July 9 and close on July 16, ahead of the UK Parliament's summer recess.
If a contest is triggered, the new Labour leader is expected to be in place before Parliament reconvenes in September. Starmer said he will remain in office as Prime Minister until the leadership election is concluded and will ensure an orderly transition of power.
"I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover," h...