Keir Starmer bowed out of his last Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday in an emotional session that left few dry eyes in the House of Commons. The outgoing Labour leader, who will leave office on Monday, was praised by allies and opponents alike, with the mood lightened by references to England's World Cup clash with Argentina.
Emotional Farewell and Tears in the Chamber
Rachel Reeves was visibly in tears, as were several Labour backbenchers. Carolyn Harris became so upset she could barely speak when asking Sir Keir his final ever question as Prime Minister. His successor, Andy Burnham, was notably absent, presumably to avoid showing emotion. The session began with a tribute to former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe, who was tragically murdered recently. Sir Keir noted that she was the third MP or ex-MP killed since he entered parliament 11 years ago. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also spoke movingly of Widdecombe, who later joined Nigel Farage's Brexit Party and Reform UK.
Football Banter Lightens the Mood
As is tradition for an outgoing premier's final PMQs, the atmosphere was convivial, especially with the World Cup match between England and Argentina on everyone's minds. Sir Keir departed from his usual statement to tell MPs: "In addition to my duties in this House, I have an important appointment with the television at eight o'clock this evening." Badenoch, often his tormentor, referenced former Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who was in power when England won the World Cup in 1966. "No doubt he will be disappointed that he won't be emulating his hero Harold Wilson in winning multiple elections," she said. "However, we all hope that he may be about to emulate him in another way, by being the Prime Minister when England win the World Cup."
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice praised England's footballing record under Starmer, calling it "the greatest, most successful record of any prime minister in history" with the Three Lions winning 76% of their matches. Starmer, a known football enthusiast, responded that he hoped for two more wins before leaving office, taking England's record to 24 victories out of 31 under his tenure.
Starmer Reflects on Achievements and Takes Swipes
With his wife Lady Starmer and their two children watching from the Commons gallery, Sir Keir said he believed he had achieved a lot. He took a thinly veiled swipe at predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, stating he had eradicated anti-Semitism from the Labour Party and delivered a thumping election victory following an historic defeat. The biggest cheer came when he responded to Reform MP Danny Kruger, who defected from the Conservatives. Kruger criticised Labour for not fielding a candidate in the Clacton by-election, which pits Nigel Farage against Count Binface. Starmer retorted: "I know that Reform believes in recycling politicians," drawing hollers and cheers.
Standing Ovation and Final Moments
After signing off with sentimental words about his family, Sir Keir received a standing ovation and round of applause from Labour MPs as he left the Chamber. Watching from the press gallery was Game of Thrones actress Maisie Williams. The epic fantasy series, known for its themes of betrayal and power struggles, seemed a fitting backdrop to the political drama. The session closed with the sentiment: "The King is dead, long live the King (of the North)."
