Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the House of Commons for his final Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, stating that he was leaving the United Kingdom in "better shape than I found it.” Starmer is set to step down next week after two years as prime minister and six years as leader of the Labour Party, handing over leadership to Andy Burnham.
Starmer's valedictory session saw a mix of political exchanges, personal tributes, and lighthearted remarks. He acknowledged the approaching end of his political career, stating, “This is the end of my political journey,” though he intends to remain a Member of Parliament. Britain's parliamentary system allows for leadership changes without a general election, with the next national election not constitutionally required until 2029.
In his final address, Starmer expressed horror at the recent killing of former lawmaker Ann Widdecombe, calling it “chilling” that three current or former members have been killed during his time in Parliament. He urged for increased efforts to “defend our democracy.”
He highlighted key domestic achievements of his government, including strengthened protections for working people, a reduction in child poverty, legislation aimed at preventing official cover-ups after tragedies, and increased defense spending. On the international stage, Starmer was credited with repairing relations with European Union neighbors following Brexit and galvanizing support for Ukraine. He recently attended Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron awarded him the Legion of Honor for his work on European security.
The Prime Minister's Questions session also included exchanges with opposition leaders. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, cautioned that changing leaders is not a simple solution and recalled Starmer's past predictions about her tenure.
Starmer's premiership, which began with a landslide victory in July 2024, faced challenges including economic growth struggles, difficulties in public services, and cost of living pressures. A controversial decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a figure linked to Jeffrey Epstein, as U.K. ambassador to the United States was also a notable misstep. Following poor results in local elections in May, Starmer conceded to party pressure and announced his resignation. Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, is the sole candidate to succeed him and is expected to be formally announced as the new Labour leader on Friday.
Starmer will formally resign as prime minister to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Monday. He concluded his address by thanking colleagues, staff, civil servants, and those he felt were often overlooked, stating, “you’re the reason I came into politics.” He also expressed his love for his wife, Victoria, and their two teenage children, who were present, before bidding a final farewell.
The session concluded with applause from lawmakers across the chamber, prompting the Speaker to remind them that clapping is against House of Commons rules. Starmer was elected in July 2024, but is stepping down after two years amid criticism over missteps and perceived judgment errors that affected his standing with his party and the public.