Tears and tributes in the Commons as Starmer bids emotional farewell at final PMQs
Sir Keir Starmer was greeted with warm wishes, touching tributes and even a few tears when he made his final appearance at the mailbox at Prime Minister’s Questions.
The Speaker of the Parliament delivered emotional tributes to the prime minister, praising him in particular for his “decisive support for Ukraine”.
While answering MPs’ questions, Sir Keir enjoyed maintaining his record and listing his achievements during his time in Number 10; He frequently looked around the galleries as he praised and thanked the families who inspired his campaigns.
He reminded the room of his achievements, highlighting investments in the UK economy, improvements in the NHS and tackling child poverty.
Internationally, he said his government was “transforming our international standing in the world, whether through resetting our relations with the EU, the coalition of the willing, or our leadership in the Strait of Hormuz.”
One of the main themes of the assembly was England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina; Sir Keir was told he had been given a “red card” by MPs.
The Prime Minister cheerfully replied: “I don’t care what the score is tonight as long as we win.”
Even Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch toned down her typically sharp political jousting today, choosing to lead with humor rather than honoring her rival’s final session.
During her last meeting with Sir Keir, Ms Badenoch paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the prime minister’s family. In his touching words he said: “I know how important his wife and children are to him and they are in the gallery today.
“As everyone here knows, our families make a huge sacrifice for our choice to enter public life. So I hope you will allow me to end our time together by thanking them for the love and support they have shown him during his time in office.”
In response, Sir Keir wholeheartedly thanked Ms Badenoch for her special support during a difficult time.
He told MPs: “We had solid exchanges in this mailbox, but he showed me kindness in private and at very difficult times.
“He reached out to me, including an attempt to burn down our family home, which affected my family deeply.
“And when my brother died of cancer, he contacted me privately… and I thank him for that and for his respect for my wife and children, who mean the world to me.”
The House also paid tribute to Ann Widdicombe; Sir Keir said he was “truly appalled” by the murder of the former Tory minister.
“He was an outstanding politician with deep convictions (and) a vibrant and fearless character,” he told MPs, recommending that a permanent tribute be established in Parliament in his honour.
The final question was asked by Labor MP Carolyn Harris, who broke down in tears as she said the Labor leader’s “service and leadership” had enabled children to grow up in “a fairer Britain”.
He added: “We stand tall on the world stage and see his kindness and courage shine through every day.”
As Rachel Reeves fought back tears, Sir Keir made a moving final speech, thanking his political team “for being prepared to walk through the fire for me”.
“Every prime minister knows when he picks up the torch that the day will come when he will have to pass it on. This is the end of my political journey.”
The outgoing Prime Minister promised to give Mr Burnham his “wholehearted support”, adding that he would give his support “privately if desired, not publicly when not”.
In his last words, he thanked his family and said, “My wife and children, I love you. Farewell.”
To resounding applause and a standing ovation from MPs, Sir Keir shook hands with the Speaker and left the chamber as prime minister for the last time.
