Keir Starmer's final Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday was a surprisingly affectionate affair, with even his political opponents offering tributes. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, delivered a warm and generous performance, praising Starmer and even joking about Labour treachery. The session, lasting 45 minutes, saw Starmer receive a standing ovation from Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Reform MPs as he left the chamber, though Conservatives remained seated.
A Departure from the Norm
Starmer, who steps down as Labour leader on Monday, was never a standout performer at PMQs. He lacked the showmanship of Tony Blair or David Cameron, but he was consistently solid, earning a rating of "six-and-a-half out of ten" according to political sketch writer John Crace. His tenure was marked by policy U-turns, international conflicts, and the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, which ultimately contributed to his downfall rather than his PMQs performances.
Cross-Party Tributes
The session included tributes from various MPs. Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, made a shameless pitch to appear on Strictly Come Dancing and shared a Toy Story anecdote. Starmer responded by joking about a government discount for Chessington World of Adventures. Even Richard Tice of Reform UK joined in the cordial mood. The final word came from Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who fought back tears to thank Starmer and his family.
Starmer's Emotional Farewell
Starmer appeared close to tears as he directed remarks to his wife and children in the gallery. He expressed love for his family and friends, and said he would be cheering on Andy Burnham from the sidelines. The outgoing leader acknowledged that he will miss the theatre of the Commons, describing it as a wound that never heals when leaving office.
A Bittersweet End
While the atmosphere was largely positive, the Conservative refusal to stand for the final ovation was seen as a churlish moment. Nonetheless, the display of decency was a rare moment of unity in a often adversarial chamber. Starmer's final PMQs may not have been his most memorable, but it allowed him to bow out with dignity and grace.
