Key facts
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated it was the 'end of my political journey' during his final Prime Minister's Questions.
- MPs from across the political spectrum offered tributes and shared anecdotes.
- Starmer thanked his staff and family, receiving a standing ovation.
- He is scheduled to hand over power to Andy Burnham on Monday.
- Tributes acknowledged Starmer's work on Ukraine and his patriotism.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered his final Prime Minister's Questions, marking a poignant end to his political tenure. In a session characterized by a largely set-aside political hostility, MPs from across the House of Commons paid tribute to Starmer's service, shared anecdotes, and offered well wishes.
Starmer, who stated it was the "end of my political journey" and expressed pride in his achievements, thanked his staff for their unwavering support and his family who watched from the gallery. He received a standing ovation from his own MPs and many from the opposition benches as he departed the chamber. Close allies, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, appeared emotional during the proceedings.
Labour MP Carolyn Harris highlighted Starmer's "decency and his courage." Starmer is expected to hand over leadership to Andy Burnham on Monday, following a special Labour conference on Friday where Burnham will be confirmed as the new leader.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch acknowledged Starmer's work on Ukraine and his relationship with President Volodymyr Zelensky, refraining from direct criticism of his record. However, she did direct some remarks towards Labour MPs and their incoming leader, who was absent from the session. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described Starmer as a "true patriot" who worked across party lines.
Starmer addressed guests in the gallery, emphasizing that those whose lives were changed by his government, and those who struggle to be seen, were the reason he entered politics. Despite being ousted by his own MPs two years after a landslide election victory, his arrival in the Commons was met with cheers.
The session, which often takes on a lighter tone for a departing prime minister, included jokes about England's World Cup hopes and the Clacton by-election. Starmer began on a somber note, paying tribute to former MP Ann Widdecombe and reflecting on the deaths of three serving or former MPs during his time in Parliament. Badenoch also paid tribute to Widdecombe.
Badenoch questioned whether Burnham would take questions in Parliament, noting the upcoming recess. She also cautioned Labour MPs that changing leaders was not a "silver bullet." Starmer, while not directly answering Badenoch's question about advice for his successor, pledged his "wholehearted support" privately.
Starmer also thanked Badenoch for her personal kindness following the death of his brother and an arson attack on his home. The session was punctuated by references to the World Cup semi-final, with Conservative MP Graham Stuart joking about Starmer receiving a "red card." Liberal Democrat MP Will Forster asked if a bank holiday would be declared if England won, to which Starmer replied he did not want to "tempt fate."
Discussions also touched on the Clacton by-election, triggered by Nigel Farage's resignation. Starmer suggested voters "put your vote in the bin," while Sir Ed Davey endorsed "Count Binface." Reform UK MP Danny Kruger defended the presence of novelty candidates.