During his last Prime Minister’s Questions session, Sir Keir Starmer declared the end of his political career, expressing pride in his tenure. The typically combative event shifted into a poignant farewell, with lawmakers from various parties offering tributes and lighthearted anecdotes. Emotional moments were visible, particularly among his staff and close colleagues, and the session ended with a standing ovation from both sides of the aisle.
Sir Keir is scheduled to transfer leadership to Andy Burnham on Monday, following a confirmation vote at a Labour conference. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch set aside partisan attacks, choosing instead to commend the prime minister for his international stance on Ukraine. However, she did offer warnings to the Labour party regarding the transition of power and criticized the absence of the incoming leader.
Reflecting on his time in office, Sir Keir addressed citizens in the gallery, stating that his motivation for entering public service was to support those who felt overlooked. Despite a premature departure forced by his own party, his exit remained respectful. Discussions even touched on England’s World Cup prospects and the by-election in Clacton, maintaining a lighter tone throughout the proceedings.
The prime minister confirmed he would support his successor privately but not publicly, and he extended gratitude to Kemi Badenoch for her personal support during his recent family hardships. The session also acknowledged the solemn reality of threats against lawmakers, with Sir Keir noting the tragic loss of several MPs during his parliamentary career.
