Britain’s pound, gilt prices hold lower after Starmer steps down 

[LONDON] Britain’s pound and government bond prices held lower on Monday (Jun 22) to Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigning, potentially paving the way for rival Andy Burnham to take over as Britain’s seventh leader in a decade.

Sterling was last down 0.27 per cent at US$1.3202, showing little change on levels traded earlier, while holding steady against the euro, which traded at £0.867.

Benchmark 10-year UK gilt prices were also relatively steady, leaving yields up 1 basis point on the day at 4.85 per cent, unchanged from where they were prior to the announcement.

British share indexes held steady after the announcement with the blue chip FTSE 100 index a whisker lower on the day, and mid caps down 0.5 per cent.

Pressure had been building on Starmer, whose popularity among voters has tumbled over his handling of the economy, for months.

Focus is expected to turn to who Burnham picks as finance minister to take over from Rachel Reeves, who has fought hard to retain the trust of bondholders in her ability to keep UK finances on track. REUTERS