Sir Keir Starmer has just days left in office after an emotional farewell in the House of Commons on July 15. The 63-year-old announced his resignation on June 22 following months of pressure from Labour MPs and cabinet ministers concerned about the party's electoral prospects amid the rise of Reform UK and poor local election results in May.
Succession and Timeline
Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, is set to become the next Labour leader and the first northern prime minister since Sir Harold Wilson in 1976. Burnham secured enough nominations from fellow MPs to run unopposed, and he will be announced as Labour leader at a special conference on July 17. However, Starmer will remain prime minister until he formally hands his resignation to the King on July 20, after which the King will invite Burnham to form a government.
Final PMQs and Legacy
In his final Prime Minister's Questions session, Starmer received a standing ovation from the majority of the Commons. He pledged his "wholehearted support" to Burnham and thanked Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for her kindness after the death of his brother and an arson attack on his family home. Starmer told the Commons he was "proud to leave this country in a better shape than I found it," as his wife Victoria and their two children watched from the chamber. Victoria was seen wiping tears from her eyes as Starmer said "I love you" to his family before leaving the chamber.
Starmer is spending his final days in office highlighting his legacy, including support for Ukraine and championing domestic campaigns like the Hillsborough Law. He hinted that an extra bank holiday could be created for July 24 if England wins the World Cup on July 19, potentially allowing him to leave on a high note.
