Starmer’s speech in full as he leaves Downing Street

Sir Keir Starmer said it was “the privilege of my life” to serve as prime minister as he left Downing Street.

Sir Keir resigned on Monday morning to make way for new prime minister Andy Burnham, who was elected Labor leader on Friday.

He is the shortest-serving Labor prime minister, serving just 745 days in the top post.

Sir Keir claimed the UK economy was “stronger” and immigration had fallen “significantly” since he became prime minister in 2024.

Here’s his full speech outside Number 10.

“Thank you very much and good morning.

“I am about to visit His Majesty the King to tender my resignation and close the book on my time as Prime Minister.

“My job is done. In six and a half years, I have saved our party from the historic defeat in 2019, prepared it to face the country and won a landslide general election victory in 2024.

“It has been the privilege of my life to serve you and this great country as Prime Minister ever since, and I am confident that Britain is stronger and fairer than it was two years ago.

“Our economy is stronger; our public services are improving; waiting times have fallen by the most in 17 years; children are being lifted out of poverty every day; migration has fallen significantly; our defense and security are on a much stronger footing and our international reputation has greatly improved.

“Yet what I will always take with me – the most humbling part of this job – is the front row seat to witness the greatest things of this country in action, seeing the immeasurable acts of determination, courage, kindness and compassion of the people who serve our country every day, whether it be in regimental colours, NHS scrubs or simply the millions of people in their own communities who give their time and effort at its feet.

“We face a world where our enemies will do anything to divide us because of our values, our freedom, our integrity and, frankly, our unwavering resolve to stand up for the brave people of Ukraine.

“And so, under this attack, it is vital that we remember the greatness of Britain around us. “As we debate how to solve our problems, there is something we inherit from our country and our character that can give us confidence that we can change our country for the better, that we can create a Britain where every child can go as far as their talents take them, and that we can unite diverse people under our common flag if we do not succumb to this division.

“I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham and wish him every success. He has my full support.”

“And finally I want to say thank you again to my family, Vic, our children, my team, all the staff here and across the Labor Party, everyone at Number 10, everyone in the civil service and everyone who has supported our efforts along the way.

“Politics will always be a team sport when we focus on individuals, and the changes we bring about for our country and our party belong to everyone who fights for them.

“Today I thank them again and thank them for the opportunity to serve the British people. I go with good graces. I go with a smile and I am proud of everything we have achieved.”

“Thank you very much.”