Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced a challenging session in Parliament, addressing questions about his impending departure and the succession of Andy Burnham, who is expected to take over leadership within weeks. Starmer stated he was "very pleased" that Burnham, who was not present in the chamber for the exchanges, is back in the Commons.
The Prime Minister, who announced his resignation on Monday, was grilled for the first time since his departure. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch mocked Starmer, suggesting he was surrounded by "traitors and deserters." Badenoch also criticized Chancellor Rachel Reeves for not appearing for Starmer's resignation speech and for subsequently taking a photograph with Burnham. Ed Miliband, who is reportedly being considered for the role of Chancellor under Burnham, was also a target of Badenoch's remarks, with the opposition leader referencing Miliband's past leadership bid and his current alignment with Burnham.
Parliamentary Exchanges
During the parliamentary session, Badenoch quipped, "I'm much happier with my new MP than he is with his," to which Starmer replied, "I'm very pleased with our new member of Parliament..." Badenoch also directed criticism at Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, labeling her a "spiteful class warrior" and questioning the impact of her policies. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle intervened, urging members to use more decorum and respect in their language.
A spokesperson for Badenoch stated that her remarks were directed at the Cabinet and Labour MPs who had let the Prime Minister down, rather than the Prime Minister himself. Following the exchanges, Labour MPs Bridget Phillipson and Liz Kendall reportedly confronted Badenoch, who maintained her criticisms.
Speculation on Future Roles
Despite Downing Street's assertion that Starmer plans to remain an MP, speculation persists about his post-premiership plans. Unlike former leaders such as David Cameron, Boris Johnson, and Tony Blair, who resigned their seats soon after leaving office, Rishi Sunak, Theresa May, and Gordon Brown remained as MPs. Starmer, a former Director of Public Prosecutions, could potentially return to legal practice. However, reports suggest some human rights lawyers at his former chambers are displeased with his past comments about Britain becoming an "island of strangers" and his stance on curbing jury trials.
One lawyer close to Starmer suggested he could be considered for a significant international role, potentially even as the next UN Secretary-General. The current UN chief, António Guterres, is scheduled to retire by the end of the year. Sources describe Starmer as globally well-regarded, a "safe pair of hands" who is "thoughtful and hardworking," and an "amazing politician" on the global stage. However, a government source noted that no leader from a permanent UN Security Council state has ever held the UN Secretary-General position. Some within the Labour party have also jokingly suggested Starmer might be suited for the UN role due to perceived ineffectiveness.
Transition and Policy Decisions
Starmer is reportedly seeking to maintain control over government affairs but is now restricted from introducing major new policies. He is keen to finalize the Defence Investment Plan before a NATO summit on July 7. However, Burnham's team has indicated that decisions on defense spending should be deferred until Burnham takes office, which is anticipated around July 17. Burnham is reportedly enlisting former Blairite minister James Purnell as his chief of staff. Purnell, who served in Gordon Brown's government and later worked at the BBC, has a history with Burnham from their time in the New Labour era. His appointment raises questions about the direction of Burnham's political project, given Purnell's moderate stance within the party.