Keir Starmer was applauded out of Downing Street as the handover of power to Andy Burnham began. Standing in front of Number 10 surrounded by a large crowd of staff, family, and friends, Starmer made a short but poignant speech before heading to Buckingham Palace to offer his official resignation to King Charles.
Starmer's Farewell Speech
Starmer began by speaking of his “work” being “done” and how he had taken the party from a historic defeat to winning a landslide victory. With an emotional Rachel Reeves behind him, as well as David Lammy, he spoke for just over three minutes.
“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. Our economy is stronger. Our public services are on the up with the biggest fall in waiting times for 17 years. Children are being lifted out of poverty every single day. Immigration is down significantly. Our defence and security are on a far stronger footing. And our international reputation is greatly enhanced,” Starmer said.
He added: “Yet the thing I will always take away with me, the most humbling aspect of this job, is the front row seat you get to witness the greatest things of this country in action. To see every day immeasurable acts of resolve, grit, decency, and compassion from people who serve our country.”
Handover to Andy Burnham
Starmer acknowledged the challenges ahead, 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 thankfully, because of our unflinching resolve towards the brave people of Ukraine.”
He then passed the baton to Andy Burnham, saying: “As I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support.”
Starmer concluded by thanking his family, team, and the British people: “I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved. Thank you very much.”
