Sir Keir Starmer has declared “my work is done” and “I go with a smile” in his final speech as Prime Minister, delivered outside 10 Downing Street before he travelled to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to the King.
Starmer's Farewell Address
Joined by his wife Lady Victoria Starmer, along with colleagues and friends, the departing premier reflected on his tenure. He said the country was “stronger and fairer” than when Labour took office in 2024, following a landslide general election victory that year.
“I am about to visit His Majesty the King to offer my resignation and close the book on my time as Prime Minister. My work is done,” Starmer stated.
He added: “In six and a half years, I took our party from a historic defeat in 2019, changed it so it was fit to face the country and won a landslide general election victory in 2024. Since then, it has been the privilege of my life to serve you and this great country as Prime Minister, and I am confident that Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago.”
Passing the Baton to Burnham
Starmer confirmed he would “pass the baton” to Andy Burnham, who is poised to become the next Prime Minister. The transition marks a significant shift in Labour leadership, with Burnham expected to continue the party's agenda.
The outgoing PM's speech was met with applause from supporters gathered in Downing Street. He and Lady Victoria then departed for the palace, closing a chapter that began with Labour's historic 2019 defeat and culminated in a 2024 landslide.
Legacy and Impact
Starmer's resignation ends a two-year premiership that saw efforts to stabilise the economy and restore public services. He leaves with a message of optimism, asserting that the nation is in a better state than when he took office.
According to political analysts, the handover to Burnham represents continuity for Labour, with Burnham expected to build on Starmer's policies. The new prime minister will face challenges including ongoing economic pressures and public sector reforms.
