Angela Rayner has paid tribute to Sir Keir Starmer's achievements as prime minister - despite previous criticism of his direction as leader.

Rayner, who resigned as deputy prime minister and housing secretary in September amid a dispute over an unpaid stamp duty bill, said Starmer "spoke with dignity and duty" outside Number 10.

"I was proud to serve as deputy as he led our party into government. History will remember not just the challenges he faced but the achievements he oversaw," she said.

"I pay tribute to his record of dedicated public service," Rayner added, pointing to the party's legislation of new rights for working people, renters and leaseholders under his premiership.

"This is a record of which any Labour government could be proud," she said.

"Labour was elected to change Britain, and as a new chapter begins, we must now redouble our efforts to deliver for working people."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says there is "more [work] to do" following Sir Keir Starmer's announcement he will resign, hinting she wants her economic plans to continue under a new Labour leader.

It's not known whether Reeves would stay in post as chancellor.

"We have achieved a lot together to be proud of, and there is more to do. I am grateful for Keir's leadership and the work he has done to build a stronger, more secure Britain," the chancellor says.

Praising the current PM, she says: "From taking our party from the worst defeat in modern history, Keir Starmer turned it around and delivered a landslide majority just four years later."

Reeves says the "economy is now better protected from global instability" thanks to the work of Labour in government, and trumpets the achievements of the UK as the "fastest growing G7 economy at the start of the year... we've had six interest rate cuts and inflation has held steady".

Andy Burnham has announced he will run for Labour leader following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation announcement.

Burnham says: "Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.

"His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. 

"I will put myself forward as part of this process," he confirms.

Burnham says Labour's priorities should be "progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation".

We're getting some reaction now from members of Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet - including David Lammy, who said the Labour leader has been "driven by a deep sense of public service and duty to this country". 

"I've known Keir since he was a lawyer. He was principled then, just as he is now," the deputy prime minister said.

Starmer "brought stability back to our economy", cut NHS waiting lists and "put Britain back at the heart of Europe", Lammy said.

"Change promised, change fought for and change delivered. That is Keir Starmer's legacy, and I am incredibly proud to have played my part," he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Starmer's chief secretary Darren Jones said he was "proud" to stand by him on Downing Street this morning.

Jones said Starmer brought Labour "back from the brink" into government two years ago, and warned that it "mustn't forget the lessons of our successive defeats".

"Whatever happens next, we can be grateful for Keir Starmer's leadership and the work his government has done to put Britain back on a path to a brighter future," he said.

Ed Miliband and Pat McFadden, the secretaries of state for energy and work and pensions, have also weighed in:

Labour's deputy leader says her party owes Sir Keir Starmer "a huge amount", following his announcement he will resign as Labour leader and prime minister.

Lucy Powell says Starmer "made us electable again, and led us to a landslide election win only two years ago" and " has overseen important achievements since then".

She says Starmer "loves his country" and has a "deep sense of public service and duty".

Powell adds Starmer "announced his resignation with dignity", as she calls on her party to "come together" and "show the country that we can do orderly transition well".

She adds: "We have to show that mainstream progressive politics can change people’s lives for the better, and is up to the task of the challenges we all face. If we fail the consequences for democracy and the country are great and dangerous."

Another key ally of Sir Keir Starmer says she does not see "an angry man" as he prepares to step down after mounting pressure.

"It's a tough day," Baroness Jenny Chapman tells Sky News.

"This is not an easy thing to be part of. But we carry on, it's important for the country that we do."

Pointing to Labour's majority of more than 150, Baroness Chapman says there is "important work still to be done".

She explains that Starmer "looked at the political reality of where we are" and "made really the only choice that he could make today".

"I take no pleasure in that whatsoever," she says.

"I think this is a really difficult moment, but we must look forward now. The country does not want to see us descend into chaos."

Asked about Starmer's thoughts behind closed doors, Baroness Chapman says: "I don't see an angry man. I see a team of people led by an accomplished leader who are proud of the achievements that they have been part of and that he has led."

"The reason there will be another Labour prime minister is because of what Keir Starmer did in changing the Labour Party and leading us into a historic victory," the senior Labour peer and cabinet minister adds.

Our political correspondent Rob Powell looks back at Sir Keir Starmer's time as prime minister, following his announcement he will resign.

The lawyer-turned-politician delivered a massive majority for the Labour Party, but struggled to keep the country on side.

Sir Keir Starmer is the sixth prime minister in just under a decade to resign.

David Cameron resigned as PM 10 years ago this Wednesday, following the vote to leave the EU.

Theresa May resigned in 2019, while Boris Johnson and Liz Truss both resigned in 2022.

Rishi Sunak resigned in 2024, following his party's loss in the general election - which Starmer's party won in a stonking victory.

But just under two years later, Starmer is also out.

 Sir Keir Starmer left the podium outside Downing Street "showing the same values he displayed when he walked in two years ago", one of his closest allies has said.

Attorney General Lord Hermer told our political editor Beth Rigby that this morning's speech was "a moment of extraordinary dignity from the prime minister".

He described Starmer as "a fighter" but someone who has "always put country first".

He said Labour needed to pull together to focus on delivering for the British public over its next three years in power.

Asked if Starmer was privately angry, Lord Hermer said: "I would be, but I don't think he is. I think he is someone who is genuinely focused on the country and doing the right thing."

Lord Hermer denied the country was "ungovernable" - but added that "we can do better".

"We are a huge, important nation. We need stable, strong government... I don't think people in this country, looking at this almost regular event on the steps of Downing Street, think it's a good thing."

The president of the EU Commission has thanked Sir Keir Starmer, following his announcement he will resign as Labour leader and prime minister.

Writing on X, Ursula von der Leyen said: "It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years.

"European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you.

"Thank you, dear Keir."

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey says Sir Keir Starmer's successor must change the UK's "broken politics".

Responding to Starmer's resignation, he said: "The British people are sick of being let down by an endless merry-go-round of prime ministers while nothing really changes for them.

"This time must be different. It can't just be about changing who's in No 10, it has to be about changing our broken politics so we can fix our country."

Davey says the new leader should tackle the cost of living with a "bold new deal with Europe", fix social care to end the NHS "crisis", and give "power back to people".

"Whoever becomes prime minister needs to drop the caution and complacency and show the ambition our country deserves," he adds.

Watch Sir Keir Starmer's statement, announcing he will resign as Labour leader and prime minister, in full:

He became emotional as he thanked his wife Victoria, who he described as his "rock".

Starmer, voice breaking, also thanked "all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six years" for "their incredible commitment, service and support".

By Faye Brown, political repoter

An ally of Wes Streeting has told Sky News the former health secretary still plans to stand in a Labour leadership election.

There had been reports Streeting may fall in behind Andy Burnham.

But a Streeting ally tells Sky News: "Wes is standing, had the numbers, and will be a contender. 

"Speaking to MPs over the weekend, it's clear that many don’t want a coronation, they want to hear people set out their stall, and many of those want to see more of what Wes had to say."

Sir Keir Starmer's "well constructed" and "dignified" speech shows he has chosen to put the best interests of the country first, says our political editor Beth Rigby.

The prime minister mentioned his achievements in office as he announced his resignation, which shows he is "probably very sore about being forced out of office", Rigby says, giving her reflections.

"A very dignified speech. We were talking about whether he feels anger, if he does privately, none of that on display. 

"People were saying he would put the best interests of the country first. That's clearly what he's done."

Rigby says Starmer's weekend at Chequers was likely focused on "talking that through and looking at the different options - and then coming to the conclusion that he didn't command the support of the party".

Starmer has "seen the writing on the wall", Rigby says.

The prime minister promised to deliver change as he made his victory speech in 2024 - but over time he failed to deliver, she adds.

"I think at the heart of it, people will say to me that it was the lack of decisiveness from Keir Starmer that he just didn't drive through decisions," Rigby says.

Former defence secretary John Healey's resignation was likely the "final nail in the coffin", she suggests.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski says the UK needs a "bold change of direction" following Sir Keir Starmer's announcement that he will resign as Labour leader and prime minister.

Polanksi said: "Starmer lost the confidence of the country because of his abject failure to challenge the power and wealth of an establishment which has taken for themselves while leaving the vast majority in a cost of living crisis and facing the worst impacts of the climate and nature crisis."

Referring to Andy Burnham likely becoming the next leader of the Labour Party, he said: "We are still waiting to see which version of Andy Burnham might be going to show up in Downing Street. 

"If he becomes the next PM, Burnham must be bold or he will be bust," Polanski added.

The Labour Party has announced it will "shortly agree" a timetable for a leadership election, following Sir Keir Starmer's announcement he will resign.

A Labour spokesperson said: "Following the prime minister's announcement today that he intends to resign as leader of the Labour Party, Labour's ruling body, the National Executive Committee, will shortly agree a timetable for the election of the next Leader of the Labour Party. 

"Further details of the Leadership election will be communicated in due course."

In his speech in Downing Street, Starmer said nominations for the contest would begin on 9th July, and close by 16 July.

In the case of a contest, this will mean a new leader is in place before parliament returns from summer recess in September.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has demanded a general election, following Sir Keir Starmer's announcement he will resign as prime minister.

Writing on X, Farage said: "Reform demands an election, and we are ready to deliver radical change. 

"If Labour thinks it can shove another professional politician into No 10, it has another thing coming."

An emotional Sir Keir Starmer thanks his wife Victoria, who he describes as his "rock".

He says: "When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children who are my pride and my joy."

Starmer, whose voice is breaking, also thanks "all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six years or so for their incredible commitment, service and support". 

"I want to thank the brilliant No 10 staff and our country's extraordinary civil service, who dedicate their lives to public service," he adds.

 Sir Keir Starmer says he has "heard the answer of my parliamentary party" to the question of whether he is "best placed" to lead Labour into the next general election.

"I accept that answer with good grace," he says.

"That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision."

Starmer says he will "remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete" and that he will "do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power".

He adds that he will give his successor his "full and unequivocal support".