Sir Keir Starmer today concluded his tenure at Prime Minister's Questions, stepping down from the dispatch box for the final time before officially resigning as Prime Minister on Monday, 19 July 2026. The session, often a fiery affair, was notably characterised by an unusual atmosphere of sentimentality and cross-party goodwill, particularly from Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, whose remarks were described as warm and generous.
Labour benches erupted in cheers as Sir Keir made his way to his seat, a common phenomenon where a leader's popularity often surges as their time in office concludes. However, the mood among his own cabinet appeared more nuanced. While some, like Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall, were visibly emotional, the departing gift of a carriage clock was noted by observers as a rather impersonal gesture.
Sir Keir's time at PMQs was often seen as consistent rather than spectacular. Unlike predecessors such as Tony Blair or David Cameron, he was not considered a natural showman at the dispatch box, though he consistently delivered a solid performance. His premiership, however, faced significant challenges, including policy reversals, international conflicts, and questions over key appointments, such as that of Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador.
The focus now shifts to the impending leadership change. Former Labour leader Ed Miliband was observed in the chamber, amidst reports concerning his potential role in a new administration. Meanwhile, Shabana Mahmood, despite her public preference to remain Home Secretary and lacking economic experience, is now widely considered a frontrunner for the Chancellor of the Exchequer position under a new leader.
As Sir Keir prepares to leave office, the consensus is that his challenges were less about his PMQs performances and more about broader governmental issues and external pressures. His final appearance in the Commons allowed for a dignified exit, concluding a period of leadership that, while steady, was ultimately unable to navigate the complex political landscape effectively.