Sir Keir Starmer praised the 'greatness of Britain' as he delivered his final speech as prime minister, flanked by Labour Party staff, cabinet ministers, and MPs outside Downing Street. He said he would 'close the book' on his time in No 10, leaving with 'good grace and a smile.'
Resignation and Audience with the King
Starmer spoke shortly before departing for Buckingham Palace with his wife Victoria and their two teenage children to formally resign to King Charles III. The audience lasted less than half an hour. He announced his resignation on June 22, less than two years after winning a 172-seat landslide general election victory in 2024.
Reflection on Achievements
In his speech, Starmer reflected on his record as Labour leader since taking over after the party's 2019 election defeat. He said: '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.'
Despite his majority, Starmer's government was damaged by unpopular policy choices and the fallout from appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, following reports of his ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Nevertheless, Starmer listed policy successes in the economy, immigration, defence, and child poverty, adding that public services had improved and Britain's international reputation was 'greatly enhanced.'
Call for Unity and Handover
Starmer emphasised unity in the face of global division, stating: 'We face a world now where our enemies will stop at nothing to divide us, because of our values, our freedom, our decency, and frankly because of our unflinching resolve towards the brave people of Ukraine. And so, under this attack, it is vital that we remember the greatness of the Britain all around us.' He ended by wishing incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham good luck, saying: 'As I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support.'
After the speech, Starmer walked down the street, hugging and kissing his wife and other guests. Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer told Sky News it was 'pretty emotional' watching his friend depart, predicting a 'huge role' for him internationally. Former director of communications Ben Nunn posted on X: 'Keir is a man of extraordinary strength, determination and decency. I'm so proud of what we have achieved together.'
