Sir Keir Starmer stood before the House of Commons for his final Prime Minister's Questions, telling MPs that he had reached the "end of my political journey." Expressing pride in his achievements, the outgoing Prime Minister used the 50-minute session to thank his staff, noting they were individuals "prepared to walk through fire" for him. The atmosphere in the chamber was uncharacteristically gentle, with political hostilities largely suspended as members from both sides of the aisle exchanged anecdotes and tributes.
As he prepared to depart, Sir Keir received a standing ovation from both Labour and opposition benches, while his family observed from the gallery. The session was marked by visible emotion, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves appearing close to tears on the front bench. Labour MP Carolyn Harris also shared a heartfelt tribute, praising the Prime Minister’s "decency and his courage." Despite the circumstances of his departure—having been forced out by his own MPs just two years after a landslide election victory—Sir Keir was greeted with cheers upon his arrival.
Addressing the gallery, the Prime Minister spoke directly to campaigners he had encountered during his time at Downing Street. He stated that those whose lives were improved by the Labour government, and those who struggle to be heard across the country, were the primary reason he entered politics. Sir Keir is scheduled to transfer power to Andy Burnham this coming Monday, following the former Greater Manchester mayor's confirmation as Labour leader at a special party conference on Friday.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch opted against attacking the Prime Minister's record, instead highlighting his work on Ukraine and his relationship with President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, she did direct some light-hearted jibes at Labour MPs and their incoming leader, who remained absent from the session. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also paid tribute, describing Sir Keir as a "true patriot" who worked effectively across the House.
The session began on a somber note, with Sir Keir paying respects to former MP Ann Widdecombe. He remarked on the "chilling" reality that three serving or former MPs had been killed during his time in Parliament. Badenoch echoed these sentiments, remembering the former Conservative minister as a woman of high principle and humor. The proceedings also featured lighter moments, including jokes regarding the Clacton by-election and England's prospects in the World Cup.
Normal political hostilities were largely set aside during the 50 minute session, as MPs on all sides paid tribute to the departing PM, traded jokes and shared anecdotes.
Ministers arrive for Starmer's final cabinet meeting
