Keir Starmer, the outgoing UK Prime Minister, has received only one job offer since announcing his departure from office: trimming his father-in-law's hedge, according to his biographer. Tom Baldwin, a friend and former Labour adviser, suggested that Starmer might even leave the House of Commons before the next general election, despite his stated intention to remain.
Baldwin shared that Starmer has told several people he has been offered the hedge-trimming position, humorously noting that while it doesn't offer minimum wage, he might accept it and potentially move on to lawn care if he performs well. Baldwin also indicated that Starmer would be interested in a role as the secretary general of NATO, but suggested it would require the support of Andy Burnham's government.
Starmer concluded his time as Prime Minister with a standing ovation from Labour MPs during his final Prime Minister's Questions. He paid tribute to his family and asserted that he was leaving the country in a better state. He declined to criticize Burnham, who was absent from the Commons as he prepared to take over in Downing Street on Monday, and pledged his "wholehearted support" to the next Labour government.
In his farewell address, Starmer stated, "Every Prime Minister knows when they take up the torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on. That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey."
Meanwhile, no decisions have been made regarding positions in Burnham's incoming team, according to Burnham's own statements. Allies of Burnham have reportedly indicated that Ed Miliband's prospects for the Chancellor position are diminishing, with concerns cited about his left-wing views being potentially alarming to businesses. Shabana Mahmood and Yvette Cooper are among other individuals mentioned as potential candidates for the key role.
Darren Jones, a close ally of Starmer, confirmed he would not continue in his post next week, stating he had been preparing handover notes and finalizing loose ends. Starmer, who recently received the Legion d'honneur from Emmanuel Macron in France, is reportedly resigned but philosophical about the end of his political career, with one close ally telling the Daily Mail that "he is doing the right thing by the country and the party" and "won't be shouting from the sidelines."
Earlier in the week, the outgoing Prime Minister held a reception for campaigners whose causes he had supported, promising to stand with them. He also attended Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, signaling an effort to strengthen relationships with European neighbors.