Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered his final appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, pledging his full support to his successor, Andy Burnham. Starmer, who announced his resignation last month amid ongoing political pressure, emphasized his desire for a smooth transition and the continued success of the Labour government.

Starmer stated he would offer his support to Burnham privately if requested, rather than publicly without invitation. When asked about advice for the incoming leader, he reaffirmed his commitment to backing Burnham and expressed his hope that both the party and the country would thrive under the new leadership. “I want this Labour government to be a success. I want our country to be a success,” he said during the session.

The mood in parliament was notably more cordial than usual for Prime Minister’s Questions, with Starmer engaging in light-hearted exchanges and showing a relaxed demeanor. MPs across party lines acknowledged his public service, thanked him for his tenure, and even made references to the ongoing World Cup, wishing England success in their semifinal match against Argentina and the upcoming final against Spain.

Starmer also took a moment to acknowledge Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for her kindness following personal difficulties, including the recent death of his brother and an arson attack on his family home. He expressed pride in leaving the country "in a better shape than I found it," with his wife Victoria and their two children present in the chamber to witness his final session.

Andy Burnham, former Greater Manchester mayor, is set to formally assume Labour leadership on Friday after securing overwhelming support from the party’s 403 MPs, including endorsements from major trade unions. Burnham received backing from 369 lawmakers, confirming his position as the next prime minister. Given Labour’s commanding majority in the 650-seat House of Commons, his ascension to the premiership is widely expected to proceed without challenge.

Starmer’s resignation follows a challenging two-year administration marked by a series of scandals, policy reversals, and political missteps, which ultimately eroded his support despite the party’s victory in the 2024 general elections that ended 14 years of Conservative rule. With Burnham's leadership confirmed, the Labour Party enters a new phase under his stewardship, aiming to maintain its parliamentary dominance and address the issues facing the country.