Sir Keir Starmer delivered his final Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) session in the House of Commons on Wednesday, marking the end of his premiership after two years in office. Flanked in the visitors’ gallery by his wife, Victoria, and their two children—making their first public appearance—Starmer reflected on his time in government, stating that he was leaving the country in “better shape than I found it.” He described his departure as “the end of my political journey,” though he intends to remain a backbench Member of Parliament.
Starmer’s tenure began with a historic Labour Party victory in the 2024 general election, transforming a 2019 defeat into a significant win. Yet, despite that success, his leadership was marked by missteps and eroding party support, culminating in his decision to step down after losing the backing of Labour colleagues. The party is set to be led next by Andy Burnham, the MP for Makerfield.
In his final Commons appearance, Starmer acknowledged the tradition of passing the leadership torch and highlighted key aspects of his premiership, including his government’s support for Ukraine. He recounted how, following a public fallout between former U.S. President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky, he personally invited Zelensky to Downing Street, reinforcing the United Kingdom’s solidarity with Ukraine. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, was present in the gallery during the session.
The atmosphere of Starmer’s farewell was notably more subdued than typical PMQs sessions, blending moments of levity—such as jokes about a special election involving Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and the comedic candidate Count Binface—with serious political exchanges. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, who replaced several predecessors since 2022, acknowledged Starmer’s invitation to Zelensky as a notable diplomatic gesture and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by his family during his time in office. Starmer reciprocated by thanking Badenoch for her private expressions of kindness following personal tragedies, including an arson attack on his family home and the death of his brother.
Starmer refrained from offering public advice to his successor but pledged his full support privately to ensure the success of the Labour government and the country. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his colleagues, civil servants, and individuals who inspired his political career, particularly those whose struggles often go unnoticed.
As he concluded his remarks with “To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye,” Members of Parliament from across the chamber rose in a standing ovation, a rare and poignant moment reflecting respect across party lines despite the political tensions surrounding his departure. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle praised Starmer’s public service and leadership, especially his steadfast support for Ukraine.
Starmer is scheduled to officially leave Downing Street on Monday, handing over leadership to Burnham amid a political landscape still unsettled after recent electoral challenges. His final days in office have been marked by an emphasis on his legacy, including domestic initiatives such as the Hillsborough law and international diplomacy. Starmer’s Cabinet commemorated his service with gifts, symbolizing the change he pledged and delivered during his time as prime minister.