23/06/2026
Rise in UK political uncertainty
After weeks of speculation and growing pressure, Keir Starmer announced his resignation as prime minister on 22 June. It comes after just under two years in office and means the UK will soon have its fifth prime minister in as many years. However, the next steps remain unclear. Even in the event of a smooth ‘coronation’ to a successor, the process could take several weeks.
Immediately after the announcement, the UK market took Starmer’s resignation largely in its stride, although the pound weakened in anticipation of his resignation. The FTSE was very marginally down while gilts held steady in the hours after the news was released on Monday morning. However, a big question, not least for markets, will be who becomes the next chancellor if, as expected, Rachel Reeves is moved from her current position.
Hetal Mehta, St. James's Place’s Chief Economist, says: “Given the current situation, policy uncertainty – especially regarding the fiscal stance – could remain elevated for months, i.e, until the next Budget.
“Without cuts to day-to-day spending and welfare, any attempts to boost investment or reduce the real terms spending cuts some government departments are facing, would require tax increases.”
Read more: https://www.godivafinancialplanning.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-22-06-2026