Sir Keir Starmer faced jokes at his expense in his final Prime Minister’s Questions before Andy Burnham is set to become the new leader. Veteran Conservative MP Graham Stuart linked the PM’s departure to the England football team.
Football Metaphor in the Commons
Stuart asked: "Most of us, Mr Speaker, can only dream of playing the role of Jude Bellingham scoring the winning goal, leading our team to victory. Yet the prime minister did it. But politics, like football, is a ruthless game, and he's now been handed a red card by the 400 dodgy referees behind him."
He added: "What advice, Mr Speaker, does this prime minister have for the right honourable member for Makerfield to ensure that he, unlike himself, doesn't end up with an early bath?"
Starmer's Response
Sir Keir replied: "I think that's the first and sadly, probably the last time, I'll be compared to Jude Bellingham. But I will; I thank him for that."
He continued: "And on the question of red cards, I can't tell him how much incoming I had a week ago Monday, after President Trump intervened for their red card, for me to get the England red card adjusted. Just for the record, Mr Speaker, I didn't attempt, but for my successor and for the England team. I won't give advice. I will simply give my wholehearted support."
Tribute from the Speaker
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle paid tribute to outgoing Prime Minister. Sir Lindsay thanked him “for his public service, his international leadership, particularly in his steadfast support for Ukraine”. He added: “I am sure members will wish to join me in wishing him and his family well in the future.”
Sir Keir received a big cheer as he entered the chamber on Wednesday. His wife Lady Starmer watched on from the Commons’ gallery with their two children.
