British Pound edges up above 1.3200 after PM Keir Starmer’s resignation

The British Pound (GBP) nudged up above 1.3200 against the  US Dollar (USD) on Monday and maintains a mild positive tone, despite news that Sir Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party.

Starmer appeared outside 10 Downing Street earlier on Monday to announce his resignation, adding that he will remain in charge until the party decides on a new leader and pledging support to whoever is the next PM.

The decision was widely expected by the market, as his position as prime minister was seriously called into question after a severe defeat in the local elections in England, Scotland and Wales that delivered a sound victory to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK populist party. 

Starmer’s weakness increased last week as the Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, the best-positioned Labour leader to replace him, won a seat in parliament, the requirement to become the next prime minister. Later on the day, Burnham is expected to be at Westminster today to be sworn in as MP for Makerfield.