Sir Keir Starmer today addressed the House of Commons for his final Prime Minister's Questions, declaring it the "end of my political journey" and expressing profound pride in his accomplishments during his tenure. The 50-minute session saw an unusual display of cross-party goodwill, with the typical political sparring largely set aside as MPs from all benches paid tribute to the outgoing Prime Minister.
The atmosphere was visibly emotional, particularly among Sir Keir's closest allies. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, a constant presence by his side on the front bench, appeared to be close to tears, as did Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who spoke of Sir Keir's "decency and his courage." As he departed the chamber, Sir Keir was met with a standing ovation from his own Labour MPs and a significant number of opposition members, while his family watched from the gallery.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch offered praise for Sir Keir's work on Ukraine and his relationship with President Volodymyr Zelensky, though she also took the opportunity to aim some pointed remarks at Labour MPs and their incoming leader, Andy Burnham, who was absent from the session. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey commended Sir Keir as a "true patriot" who worked collaboratively across the House.
Sir Keir acknowledged the campaigners and individuals in the gallery, stating, "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." Despite being forced out by his own party just two years after a significant election victory, his arrival in the Commons was met with cheers from the Labour benches, underscoring the complex emotions surrounding his departure.
The session began on a sombre note with Sir Keir paying tribute to former MP Ann Widdecombe and reflecting on the "chilling" fact that three serving or former MPs had been killed during his time in Parliament. This moment of reflection set a tone of gravity before the proceedings shifted to a more light-hearted exchange, including jokes about England's World Cup prospects and the ongoing by-election in Clacton.