The United Kingdom has witnessed an unusually high turnover of Prime Ministers over the past decade, with six leaders occupying 10 Downing Street between 2016 and 2026.
The latest resignation is that of Keir Starmer, who resigned on Monday, June 22, 2026. His resignation followed losing the support of his parliamentary party following disastrous local elections and a surge in support for leadership contender Andy Burnham.
The period was marked by major political and economic events, including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring living costs and internal party upheavals, all of which contributed to repeated changes in leadership.
Below are PMs who have governed the UK in the last 10 years and resigned, including Starmer.
1. David Cameron (2010–2016)
Cameron entered office in 2010, initially heading a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats before securing a Conservative majority five years later.
His administration prioritised spending cuts and fiscal restraint as part of efforts to reduce the deficit left in the wake of the global financial crisis.
His premiership ultimately became defined by the 2016 referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union. After campaigning unsuccessfully for the UK to remain in the bloc, Cameron stepped down following the victory of the Leave campaign.
2. Theresa May (2016–2019)
May inherited the task of delivering Brexit after succeeding Cameron.
Much of her tenure was dominated by negotiations with the European Union and attempts to secure parliamentary backing for a withdrawal agreement.
Persistent opposition in Parliament and growing dissatisfaction within the Conservative Party weakened her position, leading to her resignation in 2019.
3. Boris Johnson (2019–2022)
Johnson rose to power promising to complete Britain’s departure from the European Union, a goal achieved in January 2020 when the UK formally left the bloc.
His government then faced the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, a series of controversies, particularly the “Partygate” scandal involving gatherings during lockdown restrictions, damaged his credibility and prompted his eventual departure from office in 2022.
4. Liz Truss (2022)
Truss succeeded Johnson after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest.
Her premiership was short-lived. A controversial mini-budget triggered financial market turmoil, causing widespread concern among investors and policymakers.
She resigned after just 45 days in office, making her the shortest-serving prime minister in British history.
5. Rishi Sunak (2022–2024)
Sunak took charge following Truss’s exit and sought to restore economic stability.
His administration focused on curbing inflation, managing public finances and addressing challenges such as immigration pressures, industrial action and the cost-of-living crisis.
He remained in office until the Conservatives were defeated in the 2024 general election.
6. Keir Starmer (2024–2026)