00:00The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next
00:08general election.
00:11I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question.
00:18And I accept that answer with good grace.
00:23Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first.
00:28That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.
00:34I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.
00:40I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable
00:45with nominations opening on the 9th of July and completed by the summer recess.
00:52In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament
00:57returns in September.
01:00I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete.
01:06And I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.
01:12I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain
01:19that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for
01:26the challenges ahead and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office.
01:33I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six
01:40years
01:41or so for their incredible commitment, service and support.
01:46I want to thank the brilliant number 10 staff and our country's extraordinary civil service
01:52who dedicate their lives to public service.
01:56And when I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job.
02:05Being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Fig, who has been a rock by my side through
02:12good times and bad.
02:15Being the best dad and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and
02:21my joy.
02:22Thank you very much.
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