‘We did pull the levers’: emotional Starmer defends his record | Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer defended his record as prime minister in an often emotional final session of prime minister’s questions that largely eschewed political ridicule in favor of tributes and questions, many of which were World Cup-related.

Answering the last question, his voice breaking at times, Starmer paid tribute to those he worked with during his two-year tenure, which will end with his handover to Andy Burnham on Monday.

“This will be my last reply from this mailbox,” he began. “Every prime minister knows that when he picks up the torch, the day will come when he must pass it on. That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey.”

Following a session attended by his wife and children, as well as members of the public whose lives intersect with policy areas, such as Jaguar Land Rover employees and parents campaigning for a social media ban on children, he concluded: “May I wish health and happiness to everyone in the gallery whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labor government, and to all those across the country who are struggling to be seen or heard.”

“You are the reason I entered politics. To my wife and children, I love you. Farewell.”

This farewell was greeted with cheers and applause from many MPs and ended with speaker Lindsay Hoyle reminding the House of Commons that applause was not welcome in the chamber.

In his first exchange, Starmer said he was “genuinely horrified” by the death of Ann Widdecombe and suggested she be given a shield in the House of Commons, as was the case for Jo Cox and David Amess, who were killed as MPs.

Asked for advice for Burnham and England ahead of their semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday evening, Starmer said: “I will not be giving advice for my successor and the England team. I will just give my wholehearted support.”

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch put aside her usually combative questions to ask Starmer about a range of issues, some more serious than others, including “whether what the country deserves is a televised debate between Nigel Farage and Count Binface” ahead of the Clacton by-election.

Starmer replied: “My advice to everyone is: throw your vote away.”

In response to a more serious question about why Starmer once said “when he pulled the levers, nothing happened” at No 10, the prime minister began defending his record.

“We pulled the levers,” he said. “We’ve pulled the levers to stabilize the economy and we’ve pulled the levers to stabilize the economy. We’ve pulled the levers to strengthen our public services and NHS waiting lists are falling at the fastest rate for 17 years.”

“We have used huge leverage against child poverty and this government will do more to tackle child poverty than any government ever has, including previous Labor governments. We have made the biggest investment in defense and security and our international standing has been restored.”

In his final question, Badenoch stated that he wanted to thank Starmer’s family “for their love and support throughout his time in office” and noted that all political families have made great sacrifices.

Starmer responded by thanking the Tory leader “for showing me particular kindness during very difficult times”, including when his family home was attacked and his brother died.

Even Richard Tice, deputy chairman of Reform UK, preferred to give Starmer a break, noting that during his tenure the England men’s team had the best winning record of any UK prime minister.

In contrast, Danny Kruger, another Reform MP who has defected from the Conservatives, condemned Labor for not putting forward a candidate for Clacton. Starmer replied: “I know Reform believes in recycling politicians.”

The last question came from Labor MP Carolyn Harris. Fighting back tears, he hailed how he had turned the party around after its election defeat in 2019.

“Today, thanks to his service and leadership, children are growing up in a fairer Britain,” he said. “We stand tall on the world stage and see his kindness and courage shine through every day.

“May I thank him and his wonderful family, on behalf of me and my family, for their precious friendship, and I am sure everyone will join me in wishing him and his family all the best in this next chapter.”