Sir Keir Starmer declared his "work is done" this morning as he formally resigned as Prime Minister, handing over power to Andy Burnham. The 63-year-old Holborn and St Pancras MP departed Downing Street for the final time, travelling to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to the King.
Farewell Address to the Nation
Wellwishers gathered outside 10 Downing Street to hear his farewell address. Sir Keir said he would "close the book" on his tenure, stating: "I am about to visit His Majesty The King to offer my resignation and close the book on my time as Prime Minister. My work is done."
He reflected on his achievements: "In six and a half years, I took our party from a historic defeat in 2019, changed it so it was fit to face the country and won a landslide general election victory in 2024. Since then, 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."
Key Achievements Highlighted
Sir Keir listed accomplishments including a stronger economy, improved public services with the biggest fall in waiting times for 17 years, reductions in child poverty, significantly lower immigration, and enhanced defence and international reputation.
Additional metal barriers were erected outside Downing Street to prevent protesters from standing directly in front of the gates. The speech was free from interruptions after police prohibited amplified music outside Downing Street throughout the handover, following an incident last month when pro-EU campaigner Steve Bray played the EU anthem during Sir Keir's resignation statement.
Royal Audience and Transition
Buckingham Palace confirmed: "Sir Keir Starmer MP had an audience of The King this morning and tendered his resignation as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury which His Majesty was graciously pleased to accept. Lady Starmer was also received by The King."
Later today, Andy Burnham will meet the King and become Britain's eighth Prime Minister since 2016. He has pledged to offer "breathing room" amid the cost of living crisis and called for "reflection and resolution." Burnham said he is "acutely conscious" of recent political turbulence and emphasised the need for stable, responsible governance to rebuild public trust.
