Sir Keir Starmer announced the "end of my political journey" during his final Prime Minister's Questions session, expressing pride in his achievements while preparing to step down. The 50-minute session saw a departure from standard political hostilities, with MPs from across the House of Commons setting aside differences to trade jokes, share anecdotes, and pay tribute to the outgoing leader.
The atmosphere in the chamber was marked by visible emotion, with some of Sir Keir’s closest allies moved to tears. The Prime Minister took a moment to thank his staff, noting they were individuals "prepared to walk through fire for me." As he exited the chamber, he received a standing ovation from both Labour benches and several opposition members, while his family observed the proceedings from the gallery.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves appeared visibly emotional alongside the Prime Minister on the front bench. Labour MP Carolyn Harris also shared a poignant reflection, telling the House that "every day we see his decency and his courage shine through."
Sir Keir is scheduled to transfer power to Andy Burnham on Monday, following the former Greater Manchester mayor's confirmation as Labour leader at a special party conference this Friday. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch opted against criticizing the outgoing Prime Minister's record, instead highlighting his contributions regarding Ukraine and his relationship with President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, she did direct some lighthearted jibes toward Labour MPs and the incoming leader, who was not present for the session.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey characterized Sir Keir as a "true patriot" who effectively engaged with colleagues across the political spectrum. Addressing guests in the gallery, including various campaigners he encountered during his time at Downing Street, Sir Keir stated, "To all those in the gallery whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labour government, and all across the country who struggle to be seen or heard, you're the reason I came into politics." Watching on were several guests of the prime minister including campaigners he had met during his time in Downing Street.
Despite his departure following a landslide election victory just two years ago, Sir Keir was greeted with cheers upon his arrival. The session also addressed the passing of former MP Ann Widdecombe, with Sir Keir describing the deaths of three serving or former MPs during his parliamentary tenure as "chilling." Badenoch praised Widdecombe as a woman of "high principle" and noted her "wicked sense of humour." Ministers arrive for Starmer's final cabinet meeting.
Normal political hostilities were largely set aside during the 50 minute session, as MPs on all sides paid tribute to the departing PM, traded jokes and shared anecdotes.
As is often the case for a prime minister's final question session, the tone was gentler and more light-hearted than usual, with plenty of jokes about England's World Cup hopes as well as the by-election in Clacton.
