Keir Starmer’s Final Prime Minister’s Questions Marks End of His Political Career

On 15 July 2026, outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered an emotional farewell during Prime Minister’s Questions. Responding to Labour MP Carolyn Harris, he reflected on leading Labour from its 2019 defeat to the 2024 victory and asserted that after two years in government he was leaving the country “in better shape than I found it.” He thanked his team, civil servants, and the public, and pledged full support to his successor.

Starmer bids farewell as UK premier, says 'this is the end of my political journey'

Starmer announced he will resign as Labour leader on the Friday following his speech, handing the premiership to Labour MP Andy Burnham. He will vacate 10 Downing Street on the subsequent Monday. The handover follows a tradition of passing the “torch” to the next leader, a process Starmer framed as a personal and party milestone.

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Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch exchanged light-hearted jokes with Starmer and warned that “a new PM is not a silver bullet,” questioning whether Burnham should remain in the Commons to answer questions. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey praised Starmer’s “public service” and called him “a true patriot.” MPs from across the House offered tributes, including a shared remembrance of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, who died the previous week.

Starmer bids farewell as UK premier, says 'this is the end of my political journey'

The usual rigorous grilling was replaced by friendly ribbing. Colleagues joked about England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina and urged Starmer to ensure a victory, underscoring the collegial atmosphere of his final appearance.

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• “That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey.” — Keir Starmer

Starmer bids farewell as UK premier, says 'this is the end of my political journey'

• “Every prime minister knows when they take up the torch, that the day will come when they have to pass it on,” — Keir Starmer

Starmer bids farewell as UK premier, says 'this is the end of my political journey'

• “ Badenoch responded that "a new PM is not a silver bullet.” — Kemi Badenoch

Starmer bids farewell as UK premier, says 'this is the end of my political journey'

• “a true patriot.” — Ed Davey

Starmer bids farewell as UK premier, says 'this is the end of my political journey'

• “To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye.” — Keir Starmer

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