As Keir Starmer prepares to pass the torch to his successor Andy Burnham, an emotional final Prime Minister's Questions session yesterday revealed a more personal side of the Labour leader. With a mix of nostalgia, humility, and defiance, Mr Starmer defended his government's record in a chamber that, unusually, showed glimpses of cross-party unity.
Mr Starmer, visibly moved at times, acknowledged the transition of leadership with a poignant message: "This will be my last answer from this dispatch box." The moment was met with applause from many MPs, which Speaker Lindsay Hoyle promptly curtailed. This marked a departure from the usual partisan atmosphere, as Mr Starmer sought to put aside politics and connect with his fellow politicians.
When asked by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch about the difficulties of implementing change in No 10, Mr Starmer robustly defended his government's achievements. "We did pull the levers," he asserted, highlighting significant investments in stabilising the economy, strengthening public services, and tackling child poverty – a commitment that would see it do "more on child poverty than any government ever, including previous Labour governments." The claim has been backed by various reports and analyses, which show a notable reduction in NHS waiting lists and improvements in the country's economic stability.
The session was also characterised by moments of personal reflection and camaraderie across party lines. Mr Starmer paid tribute to the late Ann Widdecombe, suggesting she be granted a shield in the Commons – a honour typically reserved for MPs who have been murdered while serving. Both Ms Badenoch and Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice offered softer approaches, with Ms Badenoch thanking Mr Starmer's family for their sacrifices and Mr Tice noting the England men's football team's strong record under his premiership.