Starmer bids farewell at final PMQs as Burnham prepares to take over
Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared the end of his political journey at a tearful last Prime Minister's Questions, before a standing ovation from MPs of all parties.
A tearful farewell
Sir Keir Starmer told the House of Commons it was the end of his political journey at an emotional final PMQs on Wednesday. In a 50-minute session marked by cross-party tributes, the outgoing prime minister thanked his staff who had been "prepared to walk through fire for me". Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Labour MP Carolyn Harris were visibly moved as Starmer addressed the gallery, singling out campaigners and families whom his government had helped.
Every prime minister knows, when they take office, that the day will come when they must pass the baton. That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey.
As he left the chamber, MPs from across all sides rose in a standing ovation. Starmer later said goodbye to his wife and children watching from above.
Light relief and World Cup banter
The normal political belligerence was replaced by gentle ribbing and football chatter. Starmer joked of "an important appointment with the TV at 8pm" for England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch drew laughs by comparing the prime minister to Jude Bellingham.
Most of us can only dream of playing the role of Jude Bellingham, scoring the winning goal, leading our team to victory. Yet the Prime Minister did it. But politics, like football, is a ruthless game, and he's now been handed a red card by the 400 dodgy referees.
Starmer poked fun at his own evasiveness, noting he had taken part in over 60 sessions and answered (or given answers) 2,800 times. Badenoch warned that changing prime minister is "not a silver bullet" and Labour's troubles may be only just beginning.
Legacy and the Hillsborough law
Starmer pointed to concrete achievements during his two years in Downing Street, after Labour's landslide in 2024 ended 14 years of Conservative rule. He highlighted the overnight approval of the Hillsborough law, calling it a victory for the families of 97 victims of the 1989 stadium disaster. On Ukraine, Starmer reiterated Britain's steadfast support and praised Badenoch's private gestures of solidarity.
In six years, I went from a historic defeat in 2019 to a historic victory in 2024. And after two years in government, I leave the country in a better state than I found it.
The handover to Burnham
The next Labour leader, Andy Burnham, will be confirmed at a special party conference on Friday. Starmer promised his wholehearted support, privately if asked, not publicly when not asked. Burnham is expected to meet King Charles III and take office as prime minister on Monday 20 July, becoming Britain's seventh premier in a decade. He will not face his first PMQs until after the summer recess.
- Starmer's final PMQs, emotional farewell
- Burnham confirmed as Labour leader at special conference
- Burnham meets King Charles III, becomes prime minister
A call for unity after MP's killing
The session began on a sombre note with a tribute to former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, assassinated last week. Starmer noted that three serving or former MPs have been murdered during his 11 years in parliament, including Jo Cox and David Amess, and urged all parties to unite in defence of democracy.
I believe we must do more to defend our democracy.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called Starmer a "true patriot". The outgoing prime minister ended his final answer with a simple "Goodbye".
