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Royal Mail has been criticised after a social media post mocking **Keir Starmer** shortly after he announced his resignation as Prime Minister and Labour leader. The message, published on X, prompted accusations that the postal service had been “insensitive” and reopened complaints about delivery performance.
What Royal Mail posted — and the reaction
The post showed an image of 10 Downing Street alongside a redirection form and the suggestion that the outgoing prime minister should “remember to redirect your mail.” That message, shared on June 22, 2026, drew quick backlash online.
Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson called the post “appallingly insensitive.” Others pointed to Royal Mail’s own operational problems, with local politicians and users noting late or missing deliveries and asking why the company was commenting on politics instead of fixing services.
Privatisation, ownership and regulatory scrutiny
Royal Mail was privatised under a Conservative government and, according to the source, was transferred into full foreign ownership last year. That background has intensified scrutiny of the company’s public comments.
Separately, communications regulator Ofcom is reported to be investigating Royal Mail over missed delivery targets in the past year, a probe that adds context to critics who say the firm should focus on improving services rather than political jibes.
Mr Starmer’s resignation and the succession
Speaking outside Downing Street, Keir Starmer announced he would step down as Labour leader and as Prime Minister, saying through tears he was “putting the country I love first.”
The change sets up a leadership contest in which **Andy Burnham** is expected to emerge as the next prime ministerial figure. Burnham was sworn in as an MP just hours after Starmer’s announcement, having won the Makerfield by-election earlier this month.
Broader political context
Starmer’s departure means the UK will see its sixth prime minister in the decade since the Brexit vote, and he joins a string of recent leaders who did not complete a full term. The list of predecessors cited in the source includes David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
Burnham described the moment as “the beginning of a transition,” saying the Labour movement should move forward “with confidence and purpose” and that the party would aim to make the change a positive renewal.
