Sir Keir Starmer, in his final Prime Minister's Questions before stepping down as Labour leader, called for a memorial shield to be placed in the House of Commons for Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative and Reform MP who was found murdered last week. The outgoing Prime Minister described her as a "distinguished politician with deep convictions" whose "vivid and fearless character captured the public imagination."
Starmer's Tribute and Call for Memorial
Opening his last PMQs, Starmer expressed horror at Widdecombe's murder and noted that during his time in Parliament, three serving or former MPs have been killed. He pointed to existing shields for Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, saying: "I look across at the shield for our dear friend Jo Cox, and the shield for Sir David Amess that sits behind me." He then urged House authorities to install a similar tribute for Widdecombe, stating it was his "personal view" that such a memorial would be fitting.
Badenoch's Tribute to Widdecombe
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also paid tribute, saying: "A lot has been said about how she died. I want to focus on celebrating the life she lived." She described Widdecombe as "a woman of high principle, profound beliefs with a wicked sense of humour, a wonderful combination of being a serious person who did not take herself too seriously."
Murder Investigation and Arrest
Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Dartmoor last week, sparking a manhunt. A 28-year-old man has since been arrested on terrorism charges, and an investigation is ongoing. Starmer used the occasion to stress that "we must do more to defend our democracy" in the wake of the murder.
Starmer's Final PMQs
Starmer's final PMQs also saw him make way for Makerfield MP Andy Burnham, who will succeed him as Labour leader next week. The session included tributes from across party lines, with MPs acknowledging Widdecombe's long career and contribution to public life.
