In a poignant conclusion to his tenure as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer declared it the “end of my political journey” during his last Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on 15 July 2026. In a session marked by emotional tributes and light-hearted banter, Starmer reflected on his achievements while preparing for the transition of leadership to Andy Burnham. The atmosphere in the Commons was notably warm, as MPs from all sides came together to acknowledge the departing leader’s contributions.
A Warm Send-off Amid Political Rivalry
The final PMQs, spanning fifty minutes, saw a rare moment of unity among MPs, who largely set aside the usual hostilities. Starmer was greeted with applause from both his own party and members of the opposition, as they shared laughter and personal anecdotes about his time in office. Among the most emotional was Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who praised Starmer for his “decency and courage,” underscoring the significant impact he had on his colleagues.
As Starmer prepared to leave the chamber, he received a standing ovation, with his family observing from the gallery. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, a longtime ally, appeared visibly moved. “They were prepared to walk through fire for me,” Starmer said, expressing gratitude for his devoted staff.
Acknowledging the Past and Looking Ahead
Starmer’s departure signals a significant shift for the Labour Party, as he is set to hand over the reins to Burnham after the latter’s expected confirmation as leader at a special conference on Friday. The outgoing Prime Minister’s tenure has been marked by both triumphs and controversies, and he leaves behind a party grappling with its identity and future direction.
Interestingly, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch chose to refrain from attacking Starmer’s record during the session. Instead, she commended his efforts regarding Ukraine and his relationship with President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, she did take the opportunity to jab at Labour MPs, questioning whether Burnham would engage in parliamentary questioning or “scurry away for the summer”, a dig aimed at the upcoming parliamentary recess.
A Legacy of Change and Challenges
Throughout his speech, Starmer highlighted the lives changed by Labour’s governance, reaching out to those in the gallery whose struggles inspired his political journey. He acknowledged the complexities of his time in office, recalling the chilling reality that three MPs had been killed during his tenure, further deepening the solemnity of the moment.
Despite a landslide election victory just two years prior, Starmer’s leadership has not been without its challenges. His departure comes as Labour faces internal unrest, with critics questioning whether Burnham can rejuvenate the party’s fortunes. Badenoch warned that simply changing leaders would not resolve the issues plaguing Labour, suggesting that the party’s troubles were far from over.
Light-hearted Banter Amid Serious Undertones
The session was not without its lighter moments, particularly as the Prime Minister’s Questions coincided with the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina. MPs exchanged jokes about the match, with Conservative MP Graham Stuart quipping about Starmer receiving a “red card” from “400 dodgy referees”. The atmosphere was a blend of levity and reflection, capturing the essence of Starmer’s complex legacy.
Starmer’s light-hearted responses to questions about declaring a bank holiday if England wins the World Cup demonstrated his ability to connect with the public, even amid serious political discourse. As he suggested that voters in Clacton should “put your vote in the bin” during the upcoming by-election, he highlighted the unusual political landscape shaped by the resignation of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Why it Matters
Sir Keir Starmer’s farewell from the premiership encapsulates a pivotal moment in UK politics. His leadership journey has been intertwined with significant national challenges, from navigating Brexit to addressing the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. As Burnham prepares to take the helm, the Labour Party stands at a crossroads, facing the daunting task of redefining its identity and rebuilding public trust. Starmer’s departure may signal the end of one chapter, but it also heralds the beginning of another, fraught with uncertainty and potential for change.
