Anthony Albanese's blunt message to his friend Sir Keir Starmer as the UK Prime Minister is forced to quit amid plummeting approval ratings and policy backflips

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 10:08, 22 June 2026 | Updated: 10:29, 22 June 2026 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, describing him as a friend and praising his leadership after his resignation on Monday night. Albanese, who has previously described Starmer as a long-time friend, said his time in public life had been defined by service and resilience, while acknowledging the 'harsh business' of politics.  'I consider Keir Starmer a friend and I'm thinking of him on what must be a very tough day,' Albanese said. 'Serving in public life is a tremendous privilege, but politics can also be a harsh business.' Albanese also recognised Starmer's political legacy, particularly his role in returning the Labour Party to power in the United Kingdom in 2024 after nearly 14 years in opposition. 'When the time comes for Keir to leave Downing Street, he can be proud of the contribution he has made to the country he loves and to the Labour Party that he led back to government in 2024,' he said. Albanese also reflected on their cooperation on key international and domestic priorities, including defence, global security, and social policy. 'I'm grateful for the opportunities we had to work together to strengthen our AUKUS defence and security partnership, support the brave people of Ukraine, and keep children safe from the damage that social media can do,' Albanese said. Albanese (right) paid tribute to his 'friend' Keir Starmer after his resignation as British PM  Albanese extended his best wishes to Starmer and his family as they enter a new chapter after his departure from office. 'I wish Keir, Victoria and their children well with everything the future holds,' he said. Starmer announced his resignation just two years after coming to power. However, he later scrapped the universal Winter Fuel Allowance, affecting millions of pensioners, and abandoned plans to remove the two‑child benefit cap. His government also reversed course on proposed inheritance tax changes for farmers after backlash, while dropping plans for digital identity checks tied to employment rules. Further confusion followed shifts in policies on social care cost caps and business rates relief for small businesses. Starmer also retreated from plans to alter local election schedules and adjusted the scope of a national grooming gangs inquiry. Controversy has also surrounded the influence of senior Labour figure Peter Mandelson, fuelling broader debate about Starmer’s leadership direction. In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his party had asked 'whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election'. He said: 'I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.'  Starmer said there would be an 'orderly' process to ensure his replacement would be in place before the Commons summer recess on July 16. However, he became emotional as he paid tribute to the support from his family - saying he would now focus on being the 'best husband' and the 'best dad'. Close colleagues gathered outside in the street to watch the news be delivered. Starmer (pictured) resigned after just years in office, following poor polling and policy scandals He is expected to be replaced by former Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who won a by-election in the seat of Makerfield last week, following calls for him to enter Parliament to replace Starmer, following a series of policy backflips and poor polling.  Policy flips included a reversal on proposed inheritance tax changes for farmers after backlash, as well as dropping plans for digital identity checks tied to employment rules. Controversy also emerged over the appointment of former Labour MP Peter Mandelson as the British Ambassador to the United States, after it was revealed he had past links to convicted sex offender and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The issue, which came to light in late 2025 and early 2026, escalated into a major political scandal, raising serious questions about the vetting process and what Starmer and his office knew about Mandelson’s association with Epstein prior to his appointment.  Reform leader Nigel Farage meanwhile has joined calls - including from some Labour MPs - for a general election to accompany the change at the top. The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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