Keir Starmer was given a standing ovation as he made his final Prime Minister's Questions appearance, with MPs from across the parties paying tribute to the outgoing PM. In an emotional session that saw many MPs in tears, as well as advisers in the public gallery, Mr Starmer bowed out with warm applause from both Labour MPs and some Liberal Democrats.
Emotional Tributes and Farewell
Following an emotional tribute from Labour backbencher Carolyn Harris, who thanked him and his family for their “friendship”, Mr Starmer closed out the session by telling MPs: "Mr Speaker, this will be my last answer from this despatch box." He added: "Every Prime Minister knows when they take up the torch, that the day will come when they have to pass it on. That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey."
Mr Starmer reflected on his party's progress: "In six years we went from historic defeat in 2019 to historic victory in 2024, and in two years in government, I leave the country in better shape than I found it. I am proud of everything that we have achieved."
Starmer's Final Speech
He thanked the Speaker, House staff, civil service, and his political team, saying: "Thank you for all your hard work. To my political team, many of them here today, who came on this journey with me. Thank you so much for everything you have done and being prepared to walk through fire for me."
Addressing his colleagues, he stated: "To my successor and each of you, I will give my full support to all colleagues across the House, can I wish you good health and happiness." He also acknowledged the public: "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." He concluded with a personal note: "To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye."
Tribute from the Speaker
Earlier, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle paid tribute to the PM, thanking him “for his public service, his international leadership, particularly in his steadfast support for Ukraine”.
