Sir Keir Starmer's resignation given away by 'hot podium guy' - what we know about him

Sir Keir Starmer's resignation from the position of Prime Minister was arguably overshadowed by a somewhat mysterious figure onlookers are referring to as 'hot podium guy'.

The Labour leader appeared outside of Downing Street on Monday morning (22 Jun), where he announced he'd be stepping down from the position following just two years in power.

"Every decision I've taken has been about putting the country I love first," he said. "That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty, the King, this morning to inform him of my decision."

Starmer continued: "I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations, opening on the 9th of July, and completed by the summer recess. In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September."

Starmer has resigned from position as Prime Minister (Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The 63-year-old also announced he'll stay in office until a contest for the position 'is complete'.

Moments prior to the shocking announcement, however, a man dressed all in black appeared before the politically-branded lectern, seemingly doing some final checks.

According to a number of social media users, he's made a similar appearance before and has even garnered himself a pretty iconic nickname.

"Hot Podium guy is here. That means it’s official," one X user wrote.

Another noted: "The 'Hot Podium Guy' has arrived at No 10."

"I had no idea he was called the hot podium guy," a third joked.

A fourth added: "Just found out that this chap is known as 'hot podium guy'!! He’s been a fixture in setting up the podium announcements at No. 10 for years!!

Many X users took it as an early sign that Starmer was set to resign (BBC)

"And I must agree… he is defo hot podium guy."

"Oh. Podium guy is actually hot," another continued.

One also penned: "Have just had to explain the concept of hot podium guy to my best friend, a very senior journalist who doesn’t work in the UK, and now she thinks we’re all nuts."

As it turns out, the gent's name in question is Tobias Gough, a sound engineer who high-profile politicians often use to double-check all is well before making a vital announcement.

On his CV so far are assisting with the resignation speeches of Tory leaders Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. He also jumped in when Rishi Sunak announced a general election back in 2024.

The man has been nicknamed 'hot podium guy' (BBC)

He first became something of a meme following Theresa May's 2019 resignation, when a screengrab of him carrying the podium went viral online.

But anyway, back to the serious stuff.

During his announcement, Starmer claimed a new leader would be installed 'before Parliament returns in September, failing to mention his apparent most-likely replacement, Andy Burnham.

"I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power," he said. "I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support. knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago."

Burnham, the former Manchester mayor, will appear in Westminster today to be sworn in as Makerfield's new MP following his win in last week's by-election, which provided him with a seat in Parliament and a direct launchpad to challenge Starmer for the leadership.