'Six PMs and one lettuce in ten years': Global media reacts to 'dud prime minister' Keir Starmer's resignation

By ELIANA SILVER, SENIOR FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER Published: 11:06, 22 June 2026 | Updated: 11:10, 22 June 2026 Keir Starmer resigned as the UK's prime minister on Monday, sending the global media into a frenzy as international outlets rushed to splash the news across their front pages.  In an analysis for The Australian, journalist Jacquelin Magnay described Starmer as 'a dud prime minister', as the paper's front page carried the headline: '"My time is over": Starmer resigns as Prime Minister.'  'Starmer will be remembered as one of the worst British prime ministers in recent history but his resignation will usher in a period of tumult,' she wrote. Meanwhile, Germany's Bild splashed the words 'Starmer Out!' across its online front page, while India's NDTV mocked Britain's revolving-door leadership. 'Six Prime Ministers in 10 Years, 44 Days, One Lettuce: The UK's Queue,' their front-page headline declared. Swedish tabloid Expressen chose a photo of a downcast Starmer alongside the headline: 'Starmer resigns – tearful words over the criticism.' Spain's 20minutos also referenced Starmer's emotional goodbye, writing: 'Keir Starmer succumbs to pressure and resigns in tears as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.'  Meanwhile, Italy's la Repubblica ran a picture of Starmer embracing his wife, writing: 'Just two years after his election victory, the British prime minister has been unable to withstand pressure from his party.' And competitor Corriere pointedly described Starmer as the 'sixth prime minister burned' in a decade of Brexit turmoil, adding in its headline: 'Now it’s Andy Burnham’s turn.' In an analysis for The Australian, journalist Jaquelin Magnay described Starmer as 'a dud prime minister' India's NDTV mocked Britain's revolving-door leadership Germany's Bild splashed the words 'Starmer Out!' across its online front page Corriere pointedly described Starmer as the 'sixth prime minister burned' in a decade of Brexit turmoil Italy's la Repubblica ran a picture of Starmer embracing his wife Swedish tabloid Expressen chose a photo of a downcast Starmer alongside the headline: 'Starmer resigns – tearful words over the criticism' Spain's 20minutos also referenced Starmer's tearful goodbye, writing: 'Keir Starmer succumbs to pressure and resigns in tears Starmer choked up today as he announced he is quitting, with Andy Burnham closing in on taking control of Downing Street. The PM talked up his achievements in getting Labour elected - as well as making a series of dubious claims about successes in Government - in a statement outside the famous black door of No10. But he acknowledged that his time had run out. 'I know the question being asked now is not who is best placed to change the Labour Party... the question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.' He added: 'I accept that answer with good grace... that is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.' Sir Keir said there would be an 'orderly' process to choose his replacement. He said a successor would be in place before the Commons summer recess on July 16 if there is only one candidate - Mr Burnham. Otherwise the decision could take until August. However, Sir Keir 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'. Wife Victoria and the couple's son had joined close colleagues outside in the street to watch the news be delivered. Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray, a perennial presence in Westminster, could be heard playing EU anthem Ode To Joy through speakers nearby. Burnham - who has rallied huge support from Labour MPs since romping home in the Makerfield by-election last week - is due to be sworn in at the Commons at 2.30pm. But Nigel Farage immediately joined calls - including from some Labour MPs - for a general election to accompany the change at the top. The PM returned to Downing Street from Chequers early this morning, after spending the weekend locked in talks with wife Victoria and close aides. He spoke to the King, who is at his Highgrove residence, by phone before making the announcement. In his speech this morning, Sir Keir said: 'Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life, a new Labour government, the first in 14 years, a page in our country's history turned after years of disappointment and despair, the chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better, that's what I came into politics for the journey to that point was not easy. 'Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially, and thoroughly bankrupt. 'I was told time and time again that my party was finished, that we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible, but we proved those people wrong, because we changed our party, ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence, and national security, and becoming a party that once again stood proudly with, not against, our national flag.' Sir Keir insisted that people should 'look at what we've achieved in just two years'. 'An economy that is stronger, going faster than our peers, wages rising faster than inflation in every single month since we came to power,' he said. Starmer choked up today as he announced he is quitting The PM returned to Downing Street from Chequers early this morning, after spending the weekend locked in talks with wife Victoria and close aides 'Investment secured, infrastructure being built, an end to austerity with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years, the biggest improvement in rights for workers and renters in a generation.' 'The biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War. 'Small boat crossings falling, asylum hotels closing, protecting young people from social media and half a million children being lifted out of poverty because of the choices that I made. 'Our reputation in the world restored, with Britain once again standing up for decency, respect and the rule of law, securing trade deals, standing with Ukraine, standing up for our values and rebuilding our relationship with our allies in Europe. 'Change promised by a Labour government. Change fought for by a Labour government. Change delivered by a Labour government.' His voice cracking, Sir Keir said: 'I want to thank the brilliant Number 10 staff and our country's extraordinary Civil Service who dedicate their lives to public service. 'And 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.' The comments below have not been moderated. 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