Keir Starmer's rollercoaster ride as Labour leader and Prime Minister officially ended this week with tears and accusations of hypocrisy. He will remain as Prime Minister for one final weekend before leaving No 10 on Monday morning, when Andy Burnham takes over.
Starmer's Final Week: A Familiar Tale of Absence
Sir Keir's final week at the helm saw him largely absent from Westminster. On Monday he was in Paris, rubbing shoulders with European leaders and staying overnight to celebrate Bastille Day with French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron awarded Starmer the Legion d'Honneur, an honour created by Napoleon, in recognition of his “decency” and commitment to European Security. Starmer's push to unpick Brexit has endeared him to Macron, and the two worked closely on securing a peace deal for Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Starmer bade farewell to his political career in an emotional Prime Minister's Questions. From the House of Commons press gallery, political editor Martyn Brown observed Rachel Reeves in tears, along with several other Cabinet members and countless Labour backbenchers. Carolyn Harris was so upset she could barely speak when asking Starmer his final ever question as Prime Minister. The session was also marked by a tribute to former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, who had recently died—the third former or sitting MP killed in the 11 years since Starmer entered parliament.
Emotional Farewell and Standing Ovation
As Starmer's wife Lady Starmer and their two children watched from the Commons gallery, the PM said he believed the country is in a better place because of his government. After signing off with sentimental words about his family, Starmer was given a standing ovation and round of applause by Labour MPs as he left the Chamber. Brown noted that these same MPs had betrayed Starmer to get Burnham into power, adding: “The stench of hypocrisy stank the House out.”
Watching proceedings from the press gallery was Game of Thrones actress Maisie Williams, a guest of the Express. The epic fantasy TV show, known for themes of betrayal, sexual encounters, and the fight for power, was deemed rather similar to British politics by the journalist.
Burnham's Unconventional Campaign Style
While Starmer was visiting Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine on Thursday—watching England's frustrating defeat to Argentina on the train from Poland—Burnham was being interviewed by Gary Lineker for a podcast. Burnham has continued to do his own press, releasing a video on TikTok setting out his likes and dislikes. He revealed he is against people leaving football matches early, loud music on public transport, and having Yorkshire pudding with Christmas dinner. He also promoted putting milk in first when making tea, claiming it “softens the teabag.”
Brown concluded: “See you all next week when the new rollercoaster begins its journey!”
