Starmer Bids Parliament Farewell at Final PMQs Before Resignation

Prime Minister Keir Starmer bade a formal farewell to the House of Commons on Wednesday at his final Prime Minister's Questions, telling MPs "this is the end of my political journey" in a session that saw MPs across party lines pay tribute to the departing leader.

A Warmer-Than-Usual Chamber

The weekly session, usually marked by sharp exchanges and parliamentary theatre, took on a more sombre and reflective tone. Even opposition MPs acknowledged Starmer's six years as Labour leader and two as prime minister. He said he was leaving the United Kingdom "in better shape than I found it," citing achievements including stronger worker protections, a reduction in child poverty, and higher defence spending.

"Every prime minister knows when they take up the torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on. This is the end of my political journey," Starmer told the Commons.

Transition to Andy Burnham

Starmer will formally step down on Monday after losing the confidence of the Labour parliamentary party. He has given his "wholehearted support" to his successor, former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who will become the UK's new prime minister. Starmer confirmed he intends to remain in parliament as a backbench MP.

The handover marks only the second time in Labour's history that a sitting prime minister has been replaced by a party leadership contest while in government. Follow UK politics in the Politics section.