Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken for the first time about the deeply personal decision to resign from his post, citing the "intensely personal" nature of stepping away from his political career.

In an interview marking his two-year anniversary as Prime Minister, Starmer reflected on the tough choice he made with his wife and children to accept his time in office was over. He stated that he had "saved the Labour Party" and been a successful prime minister.

Starmer directly addressed his likely successor, Andy Burnham, warning that the incoming prime minister would face the same demands of dealing with global turmoil as he did. Critics had frequently labelled Starmer "never here Keir" due to the time he spent on the international stage, but he argued that foreign policy and domestic issues are inseparable.

"It is not sensible to think you can just separate these two things out," Starmer told the BBC. He asserted that it is not possible for a prime minister to spend less time on diplomacy than he did, emphasizing that the world is currently more dangerous and volatile than it has been for decades, and this reality will not change.

Starmer described his resignation as a "really, really tough decision." He revealed that he ultimately came to his final decision over a weekend spent with his wife, Victoria, and their teenage children at Chequers, the prime minister's countryside residence. He explained that while discussions with colleagues, advisers, and trade unions were part of the process, the ultimate choice became an intensely personal one.

He added that the decision to end his political career was "an intensely personal matter" for him, and he wanted to make it with his wife. Starmer also promised to "keep my mouth shut" under his successor, expressing that he liked Burnham and they had always gotten along.

Supporters of Andy Burnham in parliament have expressed hopes that he will be able to dedicate more focus to domestic issues such as the cost of living and public services. However, Starmer's comments suggest that such a shift in focus may be challenging given the current global landscape.

Sir Keir Starmer had previously vowed to fight on, including facing potential challengers in a Labour leadership election. His resignation followed Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election. Starmer's tenure as prime minister is set to conclude, with Burnham expected to take over.