Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer was given a carriage clock and two bottles of wine as a leaving gift during his final Cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning in Downing Street. The silver carriage clock, dating from around 1920 and made by Dent London, was engraved with a plaque that read: "Change promised, change fought for, change delivered. Thank you Keir – The Cabinet." Dent London is known for crafting the Great Clock of Westminster.
The gifts were acquired through a whipround organized by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. Reports indicated that contributions were briefly accessible to the public via a webpage. In addition to the clock, Sir Keir received a bottle of English sparkling wine served at a French state visit and a bottle of pinot grigio.
Deputy PM Lammy delivered a tribute to Starmer, calling him a "giant of the Labour movement" and praising his prioritization of the national interest, work ethic, and resilience. Starmer received a standing ovation from his Cabinet at the conclusion of the meeting. His departure follows a significant electoral defeat in the 2024 general election, just two years after a landslide victory.
The final Cabinet meeting occurred shortly before Sir Keir's last appearance at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons. He is scheduled to be succeeded by Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, who secured victory in the Makerfield by-election last month, prompting the leadership change. This transition follows disappointing results for the Labour party in elections across Scotland, Wales, and English councils in May.
Prior to receiving his gifts, Sir Keir opened the Cabinet meeting by acknowledging the death of Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman. He noted that "wider questions to address about the safety of politicians" were evident. Sir Keir also used the meeting to highlight his government's achievements, including progress in the UK economy, improvements to the National Health Service, and investments in combating child poverty. Internationally, he cited the reset of relations with the European Union and leadership on initiatives such as the Coalition of the Willing and the Strait of Hormuz as key accomplishments. He thanked his Cabinet for their efforts during the first two years of the Labour government, expressing optimism for the remaining three years of their term.