(BBC) – Sir Keir Starmer has said he will quit as Labour Party leader, paving the way for a contest to decide a new prime minister.

Speaking in Downing Street, Sir Keir said he accepted he was not best placed to lead Labour into the next general election and he had informed the King of his decision to step down.

Sir Keir added he has asked Labour’s governing body to set out a timetable to replace him, with nominations opening on 9 July and ending by the summer recess on 16 July.