Sir Keir Starmer delivered his farewell speech as prime minister outside 10 Downing Street on Monday morning, but more than 15 of his cabinet ministers are believed to have snubbed the event. Express political reporter Aaron Newbury reported that only four ministers were visible: Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, Housing Secretary Steve Reed, and Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones. Dozens of workers filled the pavements in solidarity behind the former prime minister, making the suspected absence of his senior leadership even more profound.
Cabinet Absences and Rumoured Successions
Starmer's cabinet consisted of 21 members, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who is rumoured to become the next chancellor under Andy Burnham, who took over as prime minister on the same day. Several other cabinet members are eyeing new roles under Burnham's leadership. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is rumoured to be seeking her old job as home secretary, though John Healey, who quit as defence secretary in protest over funding, has also been linked to that role. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has been rumoured for the education secretary position.
Starmer's Farewell Remarks
Rachel Reeves nodded along in the background as Starmer said he left the UK in a better place following his two-year tenure. He stated that the economy was stronger, public services were on the up, children were being lifted out of poverty, immigration was down, and the UK's international reputation was "greatly enhanced." "We face a world now where our enemies will stop at nothing to divide us because of our values," he said. Under this attack, he said it was "vital" to remember the "greatness of Britain all around us."
Transition to Burnham Government
Starmer was then driven to Buckingham Palace to formally offer his resignation to King Charles, before Andy Burnham was sworn in as the UK's 59th prime minister. Burnham will deliver his first speech as prime minister after meeting the King and being invited to form a government. He is expected to scrap plans for digital ID and shift focus to "the daily priorities facing people across the country." The new PM is also expected to announce plans to imminently start drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea. Burnham's team sent out a policy document promising a cut in business rates for pubs and music venues by 20%, which would be covered by higher taxes on warehouses used by the likes of Amazon.
