Keir Starmer insisted he has not been a failure as the British Prime Minister as he heads to see the King and officially hand in his resignation today (20).

The outgoing premier has given a farewell address outside the famous black door of No10, just two years after winning an extraordinary election landslide.

Sir Keir said he was 'closing the book on my time', saying 'my work is done' and the country is 'stronger'.

He insisted Andy Burnham - who orchestrated a coup to secure the leadership - would have his 'full support'. 'I go with good grace, I go with a smile and I go proud of everything we have achieved,' he said, thanking wife Victoria and his family. 

Close Cabinet allies including David Lammy and Rachel Reeves had gathered with hundreds of aides in a sunny Downing Street to watch Sir Keir say goodbye. London Mayor Sadiq Khan was also present for the emotional moment.

The departure will leave a vacancy that will be immediately filled by Burnham, who will follow him into Buckingham Palace. He is the seventh British Prime Minister in just a decade. 

But the former Greater Manchester Mayor is already facing a crucial moment as he names his Cabinet this afternoon.

The Labour Left is still clamouring for Ed Miliband to be made Chancellor, despite alarm from businesses and moderates. Markets have been calmer following speculation that Shabana Mahmood will get the role instead, but any surprises could prompt a panicky response.

Meanwhile, the fates of big beasts such as Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting and Yvette Cooper are due to be decided.

Resignations have begun, with prisons minister Lord Timpson announcing he is going alongside Sir Keir. 

Later today, Andy Burnham will become the first openly Catholic Prime Minister of Britain in around 500 years, with work-arounds put in place to protect the Church of England.

Loudspeakers have been banned near Downing Street today after protesters blighted Sir Keir's speech announcing his resignation.

– with Agencies inputs --