Sir Keir is seen at the pub with Reeves after leaving No10… as aides don ‘Sparkle with Starmer’ T-shirts for ousted PM’s farewell drinks
Keir Starmer headed straight to his local pub for a drink with his closest allies after leaving the prime ministership yesterday.
After dismissing Andy Burnham, the deposed leader gathered his former colleagues, including Rachel Reeves, at a waterhole in Kentish Town, north London.
Sir Keir chatted on the phone, a pint of cloudy brown ale in hand, while Ms Reeves, who was sacked as Chancellor by Mr Burnham, giggled as she sipped her white wine.
Aides to Sir Keir and Ms Reeves were seen drinking and vaping as they hung around the two sacked politicians.
Some even wore sports t-shirts to commemorate the former Prime Minister; one of his white garments featured the slogan ‘Sparkle with Starmer’.
At another moment, Sir Keir struck a casual pose, leaning against the doorframe, with one hand on his hip and his shirt sleeves rolled up.
Ms. Reeves grinned, sunglasses balanced in her hair, as she relaxed in the warm air outside.
Sir Keir’s farewell drink came just hours after he officially handed over power to Mr Burnham.
Keir Starmer went straight to his local pub for a drink with his closest allies after leaving the prime ministership yesterday.
After dismissing Andy Burnham, the deposed leader gathered his former colleagues, including Rachel Reeves, at a waterhole in Kentish Town, north London.
A collection of ‘Sparkle with Starmer’ t-shirts, worth £20 each, were sold by Labor in 2023 after the party conference was sparked by a protester during Sir Keir’s opening speech.
In emails distributed by the Labor Party 24 hours after the incident, the new t-shirt was described as a ‘special, limited edition product’ after a ‘radiant reception’ to the speech.
Sir Keir gave a brief speech in Downing Street on Monday morning – this time without tears – before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender his formal resignation to the King.
The dejected Prime Minister said his two years in office had been the ‘privilege’ of his life and that he had left with ‘good grace and a smile’.
“My job is done,” he said, claiming that he left the country in a better state than he found it.
Sir Keir insisted he would have ‘full support’ to replace Mr Burnham, who staged a coup to secure the Labor leadership.
Close Cabinet allies, including Ms Reeves and David Lammy, now sacked as Deputy Prime Minister, had gathered in sunny Downing Street, along with hundreds of aides, to watch Sir Keir say his farewells.
London mayor Sadiq Khan, who was recently ordained by Sir Keir, was also present during the emotional moments.
Buckingham Palace soon confirmed that Sir Keir had officially resigned after 745 days as Prime Minister, with a vacant seat immediately filled by Mr Burnham.
Aides to Sir Keir and Ms Reeves were seen drinking and vaping around the two sacked politicians
Some even wore sports t-shirts to commemorate the former Prime Minister; One of his white outfits featured the slogan ‘Sparkle with Starmer’.
Mr Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester, became the seventh Prime Minister in just a decade after meeting the King at lunch on Monday.
In his farewell speech in Downing Street, Sir Keir said: ‘I’m done. In six and a half years, I saved our party from the historic defeat in 2019, prepared it to face the country, and won a landslide general election victory in 2024.
‘Since then, it has been the privilege of my life to serve you and this great country as Prime Minister, 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, with the biggest drop in waiting times in 17 years. Children are being lifted out of poverty every day.
‘Immigration has decreased significantly. Our defense and security are on a much stronger foundation and our international reputation is greatly enhanced.
‘What I will always take with me though is the most humbling aspect of this job, the front row seat to witnessing this country’s greatest things in action. Seeing immeasurable acts of determination, courage, kindness and compassion every day.
‘From the people who serve our country, whether in regimental colours, NHS scrubs, or simply from the millions of people in their communities who volunteer their time and effort to the ground beneath their feet.’
