Londoners and tourists react outside Downing Street after PM Starmer resigns

(22 Jun 2026) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS London - 22 June 2026 1. Various of 10 Downing Street 2. Wide of London street 3. Wide of Big Ben and Houses of Parliament 4. Mid of Big Ben 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Hannah Mowat, London resident and NGO worker - on Andy Burnham: "He's a lad from the North, you know? And I think that's what we've lost in this country, is this feeling that we're all one country and that there is this massive divide in such a polarised world, the ability to bring North and South, East and West together in this country and across the world, I think, is so important. I think he's the one who can speak to people, so I'm really excited." 6. Wide of 10 Downing Street, waiting media in foreground 7. SOUNDBITE (English) Hayley Biddle, U.S. Tourist: "It doesn't take away the seriousness of how we view you. It actually shows democracy working. But I do worry that President Trump, who I believe tweeted something earlier, sort of taking a victory lap at the Prime Minister resigning. I think he'll use this to buffer his perspective with the Republican Party and really use it to sort of bolster what he wants to do internationally, which as a Democrat, I'm a little nervous about." 8. Wide of 10 Downing Street door 9. Wide of police on Downing Street 10. Various of international media gathered on Downing Street after Starmer’s resignation 11. Close of Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy talking to the media 12. Protesters gather outside Downing Street STORYLINE: On the streets of London, residents and tourists alike were reacting to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation on Monday. Starmer will remain caretaker prime minister until his Labour Party chooses a new leader — with expectations growing that it will be former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Burnham confirmed on social media that “I will put myself forward as part of this process.” Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who was considered his main rival for the top job, said he will back Burnham. For London resident Hannah Mowat, the prospect of Burnham becoming the next prime minister is "really exciting," adding that he has the ability to unite the country. "I think he's the one who can speak to people," she said. U.S. tourist Hayley Biddle said Starmer's resignation showed "democracy working," but voiced concern about how it might be received abroad, saying U.S. President Donald Trump could use it to "buffer his perspective with the Republican Party." Trump weighed in even before the official announcement, linking Starmer’s exit to two of the Republican leader's recurring grievances: immigration and renewable energy. “Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom. He failed badly on two very important subjects- IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well! President DJT,” Trump posted on his social media platform. Starmer is the sixth prime minister in a decade to stand outside No. 10 Downing St., and announce a premature departure. His statement came the day before Britain marks the 10th anniversary of its vote to leave the European Union, a decision that still roils the country’s economy and politics. After weeks of insisting he would fight to keep his job, Starmer conceded to growing pressure to hand over to a new leader who can try and revive the government’s flagging fortunes. He led Labour to a landslide election victory in July 2024, but since then his popularity and that of the party have plummeted. If Burnham is the only candidate, the change could come by mid-July. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...