Departing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed his full support to his replacement on Wednesday as he prepares to transition power to Andy Burnham. During his final weekly session of Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer stated his desire for the incoming Labour administration to prosper. He emphasized that he would offer his backing privately if requested, rather than making public interventions.
Starmer announced his decision to step down last month following a two-year term marked by controversy and policy inconsistencies. Despite leading Labour to a 2024 general election victory after 14 years of the party being out of office, he faced sustained political pressure. Andy Burnham is slated to be confirmed as the new party leader this Friday, having earned significant backing from Labour MPs and labor unions. Given Labour’s dominant majority in the House of Commons, Burnham will transition directly into the role of Prime Minister.
Wednesday’s session featured an unusual shift in tone, with hostile political sparring replaced by mutual well-wishes and lighthearted remarks. Even opposition leader Kemi Badenoch set aside the usual friction to offer professional acknowledgments, though she cautioned that replacing the Prime Minister would not instantly resolve the nation’s core challenges. She suggested that the internal difficulties facing Labour might persist beyond this leadership change.
Burnham is scheduled to meet King Charles III on Monday before officially assuming office, becoming the seventh British Prime Minister in ten years. As he concluded his speech, Starmer—a dedicated football fan—received applause from the chamber. He departed the dispatch box with a final goodbye, noting his intention to watch the England World Cup match that evening. While Starmer intends to continue serving as a Member of Parliament for now, he stated that his primary political journey has reached its conclusion. He expressed pride in his administration’s accomplishments over the past two years, asserting that he leaves the United Kingdom in a stronger position than he found it. Finance minister Rachel Reeves was visibly emotional beside him as he exited the chamber.
